Limassol hosts 57 active agrotourism businesses offering quality stays in traditional and character-filled properties, according to Annita Dimitriadou, president of the Cyprus Agrotourism Company (Kea).  Speaking to the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), Dimitriadou said these businesses bring real value to Limassol’s tourism product, investing in traditional hospitality and the natural landscape.  Of the 57 businesses, 35 are Kea members. Eighteen offer accommodation, several operate more than one unit, while 17 provide related activities such as cultural experiences, nature-based excursions, or hands-on workshops.  “We recognise there’s space to grow,” she said.  Dimitriadou added that “We’re organising meetings and taking steps to attract new members. There’s growing interest in countryside investment, and that’s largely due to support from both European and national-level plans.”While the data collected refers to a pan-Cypriot level, early figures suggest a significant increase in demand. In 2024, arrivals to traditional accommodations rose by 17 per cent compared to 2023, and by 42 per cent over the past five years.Overnight stays increased by 14 per cent year-on-year, and by 36 per cent since 2019.  Dimitriadou noted that 2024 was a record year for tourism overall, with arrivals surpassing 4 million. Revenues are estimated to have risen by 7.3 per cent, reaching €3.21 billion.  She pointed out that a key development was the rise in arrivals outside the peak summer months. “That period is especially important for agrotourism,” she said.  “The countryside, which is popular with both locals and foreign visitors, really benefited from that shift.”  According to her, Kea is currently implementing a full action plan, offering its members online promotional support, participation in major international exhibitions, press trips for journalists and influencers, and an upgraded website.  It also takes part in European programmes, providing members with training and networking opportunities with similar businesses abroad. “Kea’s role in the European Federation of Rural Tourism, where I serve as vice president, is key in helping promote our members on a European level and opening up new opportunities,” she said.  The main challenges facing agrotourism businesses in Limassol and across Cyprus, Dimitriadou explained, are reducing their environmental impact, delivering authentic experiences, and developing niche offerings with added value.  She stressed the importance of adopting sustainable practices in energy use, water management, and waste—areas where new technologies and best practices can make a real difference.  “Sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing, it gives businesses a competitive edge. More and more visitors are actively looking for environmentally responsible options,” she said.  She added that owners of agrotourism businesses, along with rural residents, have access to opportunities from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, such as cultural heritage workshops, inclusion in the Heartland of Legends route, and participation in wine and gastronomy festivals, supported by the Ministry.  Limassol’s wine-producing villages, she noted, already offer a clear advantage. “Let’s not forget, the 14 communities that produce Commandaria, the world’s oldest designated wine, are all located in Limassol district,” she said.  “The Ministry has declared 2024 the Year of Gastronomy and Commandaria, with plenty of promotional activity already underway.”  Finally, Dimitriadou pointed to the financial support available to agrotourism business owners.  “The Deputy Ministry of Tourism is currently running an open grants scheme for upgrading hotels and tourist accommodation in countryside, mountainous and remote areas,” she said.  “Several agrotourism businesses have already submitted applications, and new projects will soon be announced under the common agricultural policy and the leader programme”, Dimitriadou concluded. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Cyprus Mail