Discover Rural Cyprus: The Cyprus Tourism Organisation at World Travel Market 2013

• Visit The Cyprus Tourism Organisation at Stand EM1100
• Discover the authentic face of Cyprus:  meet representatives from the Cyprus Association of Cultural & Special Interest Tourism, the Cyprus Agrotourism Company and the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative
• Learn about recent developments on the island, from sustainability initiatives to new marine parks and cycle routes, as well as the latest news on the newly opened Limassol Marina

Cyprus continues to be a popular destination for travellers of all ages wanting to enjoy sunshine-filled days, mouth-watering cuisine, charming scenery and some of the Mediterranean’s cleanest waters – all only a four-hour flight away from London.

At this year’s WTM, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation will be shining the light on the island’s ever blossoming Rural Tourism offering, as well as its culture-rich heritage.

Cyprus is home to a thriving agrotourism movement with a wide range of high-quality retreats - in recent years, no less than ninety traditional houses with a significant historical legacy have been restored in more than fifty villages across the island. Most retreats are family-run with staff drawn from nearby towns and villages, while fresh and local produce informs gastronomy across the island.

Whilst on the island, visitors can enjoy wine tastings across the island’s 40 boutique wineries, as well as discover a world-class gourmet scene from contemporary eateries to the more traditional tavernas. Holidaymakers can immerse themselves in the authentic culture and sample a slice of village life participating in the activities, traditions and lifestyle of the locals – from bread and halloumi making, through to the production of olive oil and wine.

During WTM, Marcos Zambartas one of the island’s most renowned wine makers will be on-stand throughout the show serving a range of tastings from some of the island’s most renowned labels.

Home to probably the oldest viniculture in the world, with jars containing wine traces dating back 5,000 years, Cypriot wine-making has enjoyed a renaissance over the last few years. As a result of its popularity, the CTO have recently created six dedicated wine routes, which take in some of the key wineries as well as some of the island’s most beautiful villages and spectacular scenery. The guides are available online and in PDF form via www.visitcyprus.com,

Cyprus’ countryside also offers a varied cultural landscape with archaeological sites, monasteries, museums, as well as 10 UNESCO-listed churches dating back to the Byzantine and Roman eras.

Cycling routes allow visitors an alternative and healthier way to explore the island with a new route opening this autumn. Starting in the centre of Limassol and leading through picturesque villages into the pine-forested Troodos mountains, the route covers over 65km, offering holidaymakers a new set of challenges on two wheels.

Walking enthusiasts will enjoy the island’s 97 walking paths covering almost 1000kms, which together take in the beautiful unspoilt Akamas region (far west), the Alpine-esque Troodos Mountains and the coastal area in the east. Highlights include the flora and fauna of the areas (Cyprus is home to several indigenous species including the Moufflon, a moutain sheep and Cypriot mascot) and the chance to sample the best in local Cypriot food and wine.

What’s new for 2013:

2013 has been a busy year for Cyprus. In addition to the new cycle route, the island is now home to five new marine parks – bringing the total number of dive sites to over 200.  

The newly opened Limassol Marina also welcomed its first berths, the most exclusive new waterfront development in the Mediterranean, firmly placing the city back on the world’s nautical map; and Cyprus’ bathing waters were declared some of the cleanest in the Mediterranean – bringing the total of Blue Flag beaches up to a grand total of 57.

What’s more, this summer saw the release of celebrity cook and native Cypriot Tonia Buxton’s recipe booklet in conjunction with the CTO. The booklet, which features over 20 recipes divided between traditional and modern, as well as a guide to Cypriot cooking styles, is completely free to download via http://issuu.com/visitcyprus/docs/food_from_the_heart_of_cyprus

Find Cyprus Tourism Organisation at Stand EM1100 - along with George Michaelides – President of the Cyprus Association of Cultural & Special Interest Tourism - there will also be representatives available to discuss Rural Cyprus’ distinct offering from the Cyprus Agrotourism Company, the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors
For high resolution images and more information on Cyprus and forthcoming press trips contact the Kallaway Travel team:
Email: visitcyprus@kallaway.com Tel: 020 7221 7883
Media centre: http://mediacentre.kallaway.co.uk/cyprus-tourism.htm
www.visitcyprus.com

About Cyprus
www.visitcyprus.com

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