LONDON-WTM `99. Since Cyprus` Agrotourism project won the acclaimed Regional British Airways Tourism for Tommorrow award last year, the product has gone from…
LONDON-WTM `99. Since Cyprus` Agrotourism project won the acclaimed Regional British Airways Tourism for Tommorrow award last year, the product has gone from strength to strength. A growing number of visitors are trying the authentic Cypriot living experience and the feedback has been very positive.
The Agrotourism Programme now offers 450 beds and a further 68 rooms are under construction in nine new village properties. In addition, an increasing number of tour operators are offering visitors two centre holidays, combining an agrotourism break with a stay at a resort property.
Orestis Rossides, Director of Cyprus Tourist Office, UK commented: `We are delighted with the success of the programme which offers visitors a greater choice of holiday options while also benefiting the village economies. The number of tour operators featuring agrotourism properties has increased with a number now offering a dedicated programme, such as Libra Priceright and Style Holidays, in addition to the pioneer in this field, Sunvil Holidays.`
The restoration of the properties in villages across the island is in line with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation`s drive to cultivate special interest holidays. Holidaymakers have the opportunity of learning about Cypriot village life and helping with olive and citrus fruit picking, bread, and cheese making and even learning about traditional wine making.
Agrotourism enables holidaymakers to experience the `real` Cyprus by staying in traditional `off the beaten track` Cypriot villages.
Other tour operators offering the agrotourism programme include Odyssey, Firs Choice, Argo, Cyplon, and Cyprair.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.