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Cyprus’ New Tourism Initiative: The “Historic Hotels Of Cyprus” Label

In a bid to enhance its tourism appeal, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism in Cyprus has introduced the “Historic Hotels of Cyprus” label. This initiative aims to identify and promote hotels and tourist accommodations that possess significant architectural and historical value.

Aims and Objectives

The primary goal of the “Historic Hotels of Cyprus” label is to enrich the island’s tourism product by highlighting establishments that embody the rich historical heritage of Cyprus. By doing so, the initiative seeks to improve Cyprus’s image as a tourist destination, preserve its architectural heritage, and boost local economic development.

Criteria for Classification

To qualify for the “Historic Hotels of Cyprus” label, an establishment must meet several criteria. The building or part of it must be at least fifty years old and feature architecture representative of its original period of construction. Additionally, hotels must exhibit items of historical significance, such as furniture, artworks, and heirlooms, and offer menus that include traditional Cypriot dishes and drinks.

Applicants must hold a valid license from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism or comply with relevant legal provisions. The label, valid for three years, mandates ongoing compliance with these criteria, ensuring that these historic establishments maintain their unique charm and historical integrity.

Economic and Cultural Impact

This initiative not only aims to attract tourists seeking unique, culturally rich experiences but also catalyzes the preservation of Cyprus’s architectural and cultural heritage. By promoting hotels that reflect the island’s history, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism hopes to create a distinct niche within the hospitality sector that can draw visitors year-round, thereby supporting sustainable tourism and economic stability.

Strategic Importance

For business professionals and entrepreneurs, the “Historic Hotels of Cyprus” label presents an opportunity to invest in and develop properties with historical and cultural significance. Such investments can enhance the tourism sector’s diversity and appeal, attracting a broader range of visitors interested in heritage and culture.

Cyprus And Greece Outline Joint Tourism Plans For Summer 2026

Strategic Partnership Enhances Tourism Prospects

The Cyprus Tourism Authority (EOT Cyprus) presented proposals for summer 2026 focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, with joint efforts aimed at attracting visitors from long-haul markets.

Greece: The Top Destination For Cypriot Travelers

At an event on April 28, Athena Spakouri, Director of EOT Cyprus, said Greece is expected to remain the main travel destination for Cypriot residents, with plans extending beyond established locations to include lesser-known regions. This approach reflects a broader effort to diversify travel options while maintaining strong demand between the two countries.

Complementary Destinations, Unified Vision

Building on this, Spakouri noted that Cyprus and Greece offer complementary tourism experiences rather than competing directly. Joint programmes are therefore being positioned to attract visitors from markets such as the United States and China, while tourism activity continues to be assessed in the context of broader geopolitical developments.

Robust Air And Sea Connectivity

Supporting this cooperation, Konstantinos Kollias said around 600,000 Cypriots travelled to Greece in 2025. Frequent flights, short travel times, and ferry connections between Limassol and Piraeus continue to facilitate movement between the two countries and sustain travel flows.

Diverse Tourism Offerings for a New Era

Konstantinos Kollias highlighted that Greece’s tourism portfolio spans from traditional seaside holidays to sectors such as cultural, religious, gastronomic, agritourism, ecotourism, spa, conference, and medical tourism.

This range reflects the expansion of tourism offerings across different segments and travel preferences. In parallel, Joseph Iosif referred to Greece as a “second homeland” for Cypriot travellers, pointing to longstanding cultural and travel links between the two countries.

Innovative Programs And Strengthened Connections

Building on this approach, the EOT strategy includes initiatives focused on gastronomic routes, cultural trails, thematic and religious tourism, as well as curated city breaks in destinations such as Athens and Thessaloniki. These programmes were presented at the event alongside references to historical, cultural, and religious connections between Cyprus and Greece, including remarks from Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.

Boosting Air Connectivity And Island Accessibility

At the same time, airlines including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Cyprus Airways outlined plans to expand connections between Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on increasing access to island destinations. The event also brought together stakeholders from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Hermes Airports, tour operators, and ACTAA, reflecting coordination across different parts of the tourism sector.

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