The Cyprus Agrotourism Programme was designed and promoted by the Cyprus Tourism Organization 1991. It was endorsed by the government, and has various different economic and sociocultural aims. The basis of the programme was the revitalization of the countryside and reversal of urban trend. This is where 'Agrotourism' came in. It brought tourists to the countryside instead of over populating Cyprus's sun and sea attractions.

The Programme's original objectives, which have mostly been completed, are as follows:

• Creating a tourism infrastructure of high caliber and encouraging new entrepreneurial activities in rural area of Cyprus;
• Providing the Cyprus Tourism Organization (C.T.O.) with a tool for opening up the Cyprus countryside to tourism, thus allowing the C.T.O. to capitalize on a more significant sustainable advantage of Cyprus as a tourist destination and a unique selling proposition; the people, the hospitality tradition, the culture and countryside;
• It has helped to smoothen out the seasonality pattern of Cyprus tourism, as agrotourism in Cyprus is basically an all weather product;
• It has directed tourists to the countryside, thus allowing for a less biased geographical distribution of the tourist population in favor of seaside resorts;
• It has helped attract quality, sophisticated tourism, in line with the objectives of the tourist product differentiation policy.

Several criteria had to be met in order to accomplish successful agrotourism. First, a central objective was to keep in mind social and cultural aspects. The Programme aspired to provide the inhabitants of the countryside a chance to get involved in the program. Income from agrotourism related activities in their area would supplement income from agricultural activities. Everyday practices would be done the same as before and perhaps even with more respect geared towards traditions and culture, because traditions and cultures are core ingredients for agrotourism.

Protecting and enhancing built heritage is another important criteria. Promotion of the typical Cyprus countryside accommodation goes along with culture and tradition. The programme states that traditional accommodation is the most appropriate, no new construction development would be encouraged in the countryside villages, and the protection of agricultural heritage is extremely important.

Innovation and leadership are also essential parts of the programme. Since this is a fairly new tourist idea,the programme wants to keep on top, constantly looking for new ideas, and making sure it sets examples for other agro-programmes.

Finally, what might be considered most important is sustainability. The project is intended to protect, enhance, and promote both the natural and built environment. Financial incentives are granted to the villages, and only those living in the villages and their descendants will receive profits.
The Cyprus Agrotourism Programme received an international award for Agrotourism for this programme.

Information provided in this section can be attributed to the following:
Cyprus Website

Christos Lambrias, (For the Director) Press and Info Office

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