Handicraft workshops to boost tourism to the mountains

A plan by the deputy ministry of tourism to subsidise the creation of traditional handicraft and winemaking workshops for the public in remote and mountainous rural areas was approved on Tuesday by the Council of Minsters.

The deputy ministry said the aim is to give Cypriot and foreign visitors the chance to observe, free of charge, craftsmen and artists local to these areas producing artisanal crafts like clay pots, wicker baskets, embroidery and textiles and preparing products like halloumi, pastries, wine and preserved meats.

Visitors will also be able to attend free Cypriot wine pairing workshops given by members of the Cyprus Chefs Association, where they will have the opportunity to participate “to gain unique, authentic experiences,” the deputy ministry said.

In addition, licensed tour guides will lead free community tours.

The deputy ministry aims to promote, highlight and enrich the island’s rural tourism product while also looking to financially stimulate local communities, small family businesses and sectors of the culture and wine industry, in the hope of generating innovative business activities in these areas, the announcement said.

The most successful experiential workshops will be evaluated for their potential inclusion to the deputy ministry’s Authentic Experience Route, due to be launched in the autumn.

Also local cottage industries operating out of a home rather than a purpose-built facility will be similarly promoted by the deputy ministry once the relevant legislation is approved.

More information about the project can be found on the deputy ministry for tourism’s website www.tourism.gov.cy