Ayia Napa and Protaras, two prominent tourist destinations in Cyprus, have joined forces in a strategic move to elevate their tourism offerings. This alliance marks a significant departure from their previously competitive relationship, ushering in a new era of collaboration.
The partnership is officially launched through a promotional campaign titled “Live Unforgettable Moments,” aimed at attracting visitors from key international markets, including the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, and France. The campaign focuses on engaging potential travelers through innovative online platforms, showcasing the region’s diverse and unique experiences.
This collaborative effort is not a sudden development but the culmination of a long-standing initiative spearheaded by the Cyprus Hotels Association of Famagusta (PASYXE). For years, the relationship between the two municipalities was characterized by rivalry and competition. However, PASYXE has been diligently working to foster a spirit of collaboration and normalize relations.
Panagiotis Konstantinou, President of PASYXE Famagusta, views this initiative as a major breakthrough, uniting the two destinations under a common goal. Christos Zannettou, President of the Famagusta Tourism and Development Company (ETAP) and Mayor of Ayia Napa, echoes this sentiment, highlighting this collaborative effort as a pivotal step in elevating the tourism profile of the entire Famagusta region.
By pooling their resources and strengths, Ayia Napa and Protaras aim to create a more compelling and distinctive destination that caters to a broader range of travelers. The partnership envisions investing in specialized forms of tourism, including sports tourism, gastronomic tourism, and romantic tourism. This diversification strategy aims to cater to a wider range of traveler preferences, extending the tourist season beyond the traditional summer months.
Ayia Napa and Protaras are also actively pursuing winter tourism as a means to mitigate the impact of seasonality. A tour program designed specifically for long-stay tourists, primarily targeting visitors from Scandinavian countries, is set to be launched in November. This program will feature a curated itinerary that includes tours, visits to attractions, and immersive experiences showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and local traditions.
The collaborative efforts of Ayia Napa and Protaras are expected to have a significant global impact on travelers. By uniting their strengths and resources, the two destinations can offer a more diverse and enriched travel experience that appeals to a broader audience. This strategic alliance signifies a promising future for the tourism industry in Cyprus, highlighting the power of collaboration and innovation in enhancing destination appeal.
