Sport forms one of the key themes for the Cyprus Tourism Organisation at WTM 2012; since hosting Team GB for the Athens Games in 2004 Cyprus has remained a regular training ground for British sportsmen and women due to its year-round temperate climate and excellent facilities, which are suitable both for professionals and, those who simply like to stay in shape on holiday.
A particular focus this year will be tennis, with the opening of the new Annabelle Croft Tennis Academy, andsailing, following Cypriot Olympian Pavlos Kontides’ win of a silver medal at the London Games.
Continuing the nautical theme, experts will also be on hand to discuss the island’s diving offering as four new marine parks, each with its own scuttled ship-wreck, get underway in 2013. Kitesurfing has taken off near Larnaka – now home to a specifically dedicated beach providing perfect wind and wave conditions all-year-round. WTM 2012 will also coincide with the opening of the Limassol Marina, which is set to become one of the most prestigious sea-faring developments in the Med.??
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation will also be offering the chance to sample wine from boutique wineries alongside typical Cypriot bites. As well as winemaking, gastronomy – using the fresh, local produce found on the island – has seen a major resurgence in recent years. Visit the stand for exclusive recipes from Tonia Buxton’s forthcoming booklet on Cypriot cooking, created specially for the CTO and due to be available in full later this year.
Responsible tourism is increasingly on the agenda across the island. Updates on new and established projects – such as ‘Greener Beaches’, an initiative created with the
Travel Foundation which uses local materials and craftsmen to make beach tourism more sustainable – will be available.
Visit the Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s Stand (EM1100) at WTM to find out more information, or go to the CTO’s website: www.visitycyprus.com.
