Travel News Europe - #89 - December 2008 - (Page 10)

n destination/ CYPRUS Cyprus THE ‘IsLAND Of LOVE’ BOAsTs MANY uNIquE sIGHTs AND ExPErIENCEs BEYOND THE suN AND sEA… n the past two years the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has successfully completed a multifaceted plan for the promotion of Rural Tourism that is 50% financed by the European Union’s Structural Fund. Rural Tourism is not new to Cyprus, but now it is officially defined as a market niche that utilises elements like the natural and man-made environment and local culture. It offers visitors the opportunity to pursue various activities such as walking, cycling and tasting locally produced foods and wine. To promote this type of holiday, the CTO has produced a tourist guide and 3-short films. The CTO now uses 2 stands to promote tourism in Cyprus at international tourism exhibitions/trade shows. One is more general and the other is exclusively devoted to Rural Tourism - the CTO invited the Cyprus Association of Cultural and Special Interest Tourism, the Troodos Tourism Promotion Board and the Agrotourism Company and Gasteraea (a non-profit organisation for the promotion of traditional Cypriot cuisine) to join forces to promote alternative tourism themes in Cyprus aimed at discerning travellers. Discover authentic Cyprus I the CTO has recently published the ‘Authentic Cyprus’ guidebook, which recommends several excursions by car and highlights Cyprus’ perhaps lesser-known inland attractions. The routes include places to stop for various activities and to enjoy the traditions of the countryside and the charming villages. Agrotourism: Traditional Houses – Cyprus country life at its best brochure will help visitors discover a most original island. From Gibraltar to Cyprus – walk & discover The hidden parts of the island are waiting to be discovered. In order to encourage visitors to head inland, 10 TRAVEL NEWS EUROPE Those wishing to enjoy a different kind of holiday in a village off the beaten track and experience Cyprus country life at its best are only one click away from it. www.agrotourism.com.cy. The Cyprus Agrotourism Company brings together a number of traditional houses in more than 60 villages all over Cyprus, with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of rural areas through environmentally conscientious tourism. These traditional houses, away from the tourist areas, offer every comfort whilst retaining their unique and individual charms. The Cyprus countryside has a diverse wealth of its own, which includes traditional villages, vineyards and wineries, tiny frescopainted churches, remote monasteries, isolated beaches and cool shady forests. Visitors will find details about accommodation in traditional houses in the Cyprus Agrotourism Company booklet, and the ‘Authentic Cyprus’ December 2008 The European long distance path, the E4, now includes Cyprus. The path starts in Gibraltar and passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, mainland Greece and the island of Crete to Cyprus. In Cyprus, the E4 path is divided into day-long walks that take hikers on a journey of discovery through rural areas, charming villages, archaeological treasures and fine landscapes. This cross–country route can by enjoyed with a stay in village houses off the beaten track. As a guide to these walks and other routes, the CTO has published a brochure entitled “European Long Distance path E4 and other Nature Trails”. There are now 72 nature trails in various areas of the island. The brochure is freely available in several languages and can be obtained from CTO offices in Cyprus and abroad. The CTO, in cooperation with the Rethymno Perfecture of Crete, has implemented a project titled ‘E Market Path E4’, co-financed by the Interreg IIIA Greece-Cyprus Community Initiative Program, to jointly promote the sections of the E4 path that pass through Rethymno and Cyprus. Discover Cyprus by bike – new cycling routes The excellent climatic conditions, short distances, constantly changing Cypriot rural landscape and the varied terrain make Cyprus a paradise for cycling enthusiasts and ideal for cycling holidays. No wonder that 2008 mountain biking gold medallist Sabine Spitz from Germany chooses the island every year for her training. The mountains provide ideal biking terrain, stunning views and the unspoiled villages make perfect stopping off points. The Troodos Cycling Routes Network was officially presented in October 2008 in the village of Platres. The network was 50% co-funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is part of a large comprehensive plan of 12 cycling routes that will eventually www.travelnewseurope.com http://www.www.agrotourism.com.cy http://www.www.agrotourism.com.cy http://www.travelnewseurope.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Travel News Europe - #89 - December 2008

Cover
Contents
NEWS
DESTINATIONS - Cyprus
�- Singapore
BUSINESS - MICE
�- Cyprus MICE
Luxury Travel
Exhibitions

Travel News Europe - #89 - December 2008