Text: Christos Michalaros / Photos: Panagiotis Mina
We Focus on the Authentic Experience
The Deputy Minister of Tourism presents the country’s strategy, outlines the main pillars and key objectives of his policy, and reveals the new opportunities emerging in an era full of challenges.
"In recent years, we have been implementing a new strategy focused on showcasing the rich inland regions of our country. Our goal is to bring authentic Cyprus to the forefront."
Cyprus is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. What is the country’s strategy for ensuring future success?
Our country is a blessed land with unparalleled natural beauty both along the coast and inland, a rich culinary tradition, and people who generously offer genuine Cypriot hospitality. It’s no coincidence that Cyprus has been established for decades as a must-visit
destination – especially for those seeking to experience authentic coastal living. All the elements that make up our country’s tourism come together to create a powerful draw – particularly during the summer season, while at present we are working methodically to enhance the product for the winter season as well. In recent years, we have been implementing a new strategy focused on showcasing the rich inland regions of our country. Our goal is to bring authentic Cyprus to the forefront – the lesser-known yet equally enchanting side of the island: the mountainous areas with their traditional farmhouses, the semi-mountainous regions with their unique character, and remote areas such as Tylliria. We are actively investing in highlighting new regions and promoting balanced tourism development. This approach is expected to significantly boost visitor numbers during the winter season as well.
What are the main challenges Cyprus faces as a tourist destination?
A tourist destination operating in a highly competitive international environment inevitably faces a variety of complex challenges. Continuous upgrading of both specific and popular areas, with a focus on sustainable tourism development, is undoubtedly one of the most significant challenges. Equally important is promoting the country’s comparative advantages on an international level –also in new markets– while simultaneously investing in the constant enhancement of our tourism. I consider the enhancement of tourism education –as well as initiatives aimed at fostering tourism awareness– to be a particularly important challenge. The focus is now firmly on the sustainability of destinations, an approach that has been embraced by all stakeholders in our country’s tourism ecosystem, which is both encouraging and gratifying. Undoubtedly, the green transition and digital transformation are two of the greatest challenges of our time. We are working intensively on both fronts, in close collaboration with the private sector, and we are hopeful that in the coming months, the millions of visitors arriving in our country will have the opportunity to experience the positive changes taking place. A particularly important challenge for me personally is the further promotion of our country’s wine and gastronomy sector – an area that has made remarkable progress in recent years.
Let’s talk about thematic tourism. Cyprus has opportunities that, in the past, were left untapped.
It is a major and ongoing challenge, with significant growth potential. I would agree with you that, indeed, opportunities may have been missed in the past and that certain niche forms of tourism deserved greater promotion. What matters now, however, is that we are systematically investing in these types of tourism – and our efforts in this are beginning to bear fruit. Sports tourism is emerging as a spearhead among the niche forms of tourism. Over the last 12 months, more than 25,000 visitors choose Cyprus to enjoy their favourite activities, while year after year, the sporting events hosted in our country are gaining increasing popularity and prestige. A range of thematic tourism forms –such as agritourism, conference tourism, wine tourism, and hiking tourism– are also steadily on the rise, along with other specialised types of tourism activity.
What are your favourite places, villages, and activities in Cyprus? What would you say are the must-do experiences for any visitor?
That’s a very tough question (laughs). I was fortunate enough to grow up in a beautiful coastal area, and I learned early on to appreciate the beauty of Protaras and Ayia Napa at every hour of the day. I’d walk along Fig Tree Bay early in the morning, enjoy Nissi Beach late in the afternoon, and explore the hidden trails of Cape Greco in the winter. Growing up, I learned to explore the island and appreciate every corner of it. I’ve been visiting Pafos and its surrounding area every year since 1999, always enjoying its beauty. I make sure to visit the Akamas region and the village of Kato Pyrgos – destinations that offer a unique authenticity. In recent years, from October to April, my favourite hobby has been exploring the lesser-known corners of Cyprus. I absolutely love the Troodos mountains; I enjoy visiting its villages, trying traditional dishes, and savouring special moments with good company and Cypriot wine. I highly recommend strolling through Lefkara, Kalopanayiotis, and Pissouri – villages that have earned international recognition, ranking among the most beautiful in the world. And of course, as we get older, we develop new favourite habits. I highly recommend an afternoon stroll in Nicosia, a morning walk along the pedestrian street in Limassol, and –of course– outings at any time of day in historic Larnaka, one of the oldest cities in the world.
