Perdios commented by saying, “The village of Agros, in the Pitsilia region of the Troodos Mountains will be completely converted into a a Christmas Village and Christmas Market, along the lines of what people find in destinations like Vienna, Budapest etc.The village will open in the last week of November and will close in the first week of January 2022, so it will be available for a period of six to seven weeks. Nothing like this has ever happened in Cyprus before. It is the first time that we are doing it. And we will be promoting it as part of our strong promotion of winter tourism here.”

This September, the deputy ministry will also launch the ‘Heartland of Legends’,’ also intended to promote rural tourism. “This will be a route of almost 500 km for authentic experiences which passes through the mountains in rural areas of Cyprus. It is a route where tourists will be able to go and meet with local families, local artisans, see how they make local crafts or local delicacies,” added Perdios.

This type of tourism has become increasingly popular, particularly among affluent travellers, according to experts, as it provides an in-depth understanding of to experience authentic local lifestyles, customs and culture.