Cyprus tourism showcased its dynamic presence in the Greek market through its participation in several significant and well-known events held recently.
The momentum began with the Athens Authentic Marathon Expo, OPAP Marathon Expo (6-9/11/2024), at the Olympic Tae Kwon Do Centre. The exhibition attracted approximately 90,000 runners and their companions, where the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism hosted a dedicated booth. Visitors had the opportunity to enter a raffle for attractive prizes, including accommodation in Cyprus and free entry to running events on the island. Runners visiting the booth were also informed in person, via social media, and through newsletters about the renowned marathons and smaller races in Cyprus by representatives of the island’s running events, staff from the Cyprus Tourism Office in Athens, and the representative of the Deputy Ministry’s Special Interest Sector and experienced runner, Yianna Pitsiakkou.
As an Institutional Partner of the Athens Authentic Marathon and SEGAS, the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism was represented at the torch-lighting ceremony of the Athens Authentic Marathon flame at both the Marathon Tomb and the starting point of the race. Marketing and Sales Officer Ioanna Chatzikosti from the Athens Tourism Office participated in the ceremony. The flame was handed over to the representative of the Larnaca International Marathon Radisson Blu, Konstantinos Dalta, by SEGAS President Sofia Sakorafa and Marathon Mayor Stergios Tsirkas.
The event culminated with the competitive segment of the Athens Authentic Marathon (AMA) and smaller races, featuring over 1,700 Cypriot runners—a 10% increase compared to last year.
Equally impactful was the presence of the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism at the 39th Philoxenia exhibition in Thessaloniki, held from 14-16/11/2024. At its booth, the Deputy Ministry distributed informational material showcasing Cyprus as a tourism destination. Meetings were also held with travel organisers from Greece and international markets, as well as with media representatives.
The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism was represented at the exhibition by Fani Paschalidou, Market Development Officer from the International Relations Sector of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus.
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Source: ANA-MPA