CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION ANNOUNCES 2014 EXHBITIONS CALENDAR

As 2014 fast approaches, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has announced its exhibition line-up for the year ahead. With attendance at all the key events on the travel and lifestyle industries’ calendar, CTO representatives will be on hand throughout to share the latest news and developments.

January:

Destinations (www.destinationsshow.com), Manchester – 23 to 26 January

Holiday World Show (www.holidayworldshow.com), Dublin – 27 to 29 January

February:

Destinations (www.destinationshow.com), London – 6 to 9 February

Outdoor Show (www.theoutdoorshow.co.uk), London – 13 to 16 February

National Wedding Show (www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk), Birmingham – 28 February to 2 March

July:

The Meetings Show (www.themeetingshow.com), London – 8 to 10 July

September:

National Wedding Show (www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk), London – 26 to 28 September

November:

World Travel Market (www.wtmlondon.com), London – 3 to 6 November

New ‘Aphrodite’s Cultural Route’ launched in time for Valentine’s Day 2014
Few destinations can have the kind of claim that Cyprus can of being one of the most romantic places on Earth. For a start, the island is the fabled birthplace of none other than Aphrodite, Greek goddess of Love. To highlight how the goddess’ influence has been felt down the generations, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation has published ‘Aphrodite’s Cultural Route’ in time for romantically-inclined visitors to enjoy over Valentine’s day and beyond. Taking in some of Cyprus’ best archaeological sites - including the World Heritage Site at Palaipafos (Kouklia), Amathous and the ancient city of Kition – the route also explores her birth, mythology, character, the rituals connected with her cult – and even plants and seashells associated with her.

Sporting Cyprus
Cyprus has been a favourite training destination for the British team for the Olympic, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games since the Athens Olympics in 2004. Those looking to get the adrenalin pumping while away will find plenty of activities on offer, including cycling, diving, paragliding, rock climbing and even skiing. For golf enthusiasts, a visit to the Tony Jacklin-redesigned 18-hole course at Secret Valley – part of the new Venus Rock Development, is a must. The course offers six sets of tees to accommodate all levels of play, rolling Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens.

Off the beaten track
Spend all your time on the beach in Cyprus, and you’ll be missing out. Mountain villages like Tochni are gateways for outdoor fun like bike riding, horse riding and walking escapes, while cookery courses and food foraging are easily bookable to indulge in seasonal Cypriot food. Laneia village has set a new pace with its charming cultural trail created by a progressive mayor working closely with local artists and galleries to showcase home-grown talent. But for a truly rural experience get involved with the island’s agrotourism scene – the orange and olive harvesting seasons run October - February. Accommodation takes the form of hidden boutique hotels and renovated guesthouses. Other interesting villages to visit include Omodhos, Kakopetria and Kalopanagiotis.

Take a walk on the wild side
The island has extensive forests and 97 walking paths, covering a distance of 861 km, which have been praised by walkers for their high standards. Since 2007 the island has also formed the final leg on the Long Distance European Footpath E4, which runs from Spain through Central Europe and Greece to Cyprus. This continual trail travels through the National Park at Akamas, the alpine-esque forests of the Troodos Mountains and the coastal beauty of the east, taking in UNESCO churches, indigenous wildlife and spectacular scenery along the way. 

Budding sommeliers: and for the perfect accompaniment…
Cypriot wines date back 5,000 years, so it’s about time to learn your Xynisteri from your Vamvakada. The island is now criss-crossed with six wine routes specially created by the CTO, which take in vineyards, wineries and other associated attractions. With 40 independent wineries on the island to choose from, vinophiles are spoilt for choice. Highlights include delicious Commandaria sweet wine direct from Tsiakkas Winery in Pelentri village, grown on Kostas’ high altitude vineyards, or the robust red produced from Cypriot Vamvakada grapes.

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Notes to Editors
For high resolution images and more information on Cyprus and forthcoming press trips contact the Kallaway Travel team:
Email: daniela.marchesi@kallaway.com; susannah.glynn@kallaway.com

Tel: 020 7221 7883
Media centre: http://mediacentre.kallaway.co.uk/cyprus-tourism.htm

About Cyprus
www.visitcyprus.com
Cyprus – the third largest island in the Mediterranean – attracts over 2m tourists annually –lured by its legendary hospitality, glorious coastline and stunning mountain villages. There is something to suit every traveller  – family resorts, world class spas, golf courses, marinas, agrotourism, food and wine trails. For the active; the warm waters of Cyprus are perfect for diving and waterskiing. Adventure seekers can explore the beauty of Cyprus with trekking or birdwatching tours, while golfing enthusiasts play on award winning courses.

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