Cyprus’s agriculture minister has called for stronger links between the country’s tourism industry and local farmers, fishermen and livestock producers, saying the resort town of Ayia Napa’s international reputation could bring more economic benefit to the surrounding region.
Christodoulos Senekis, minister of agriculture, rural development and environment, made the comments at the opening of the 42nd International Ayia Napa Festival, an annual event that runs Sept. 25-27 in the town’s central square.
Senekis said Ayia Napa is one of Cyprus’s most recognized destinations abroad, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. He said the town’s tourism industry should do more to promote local products from the surrounding region, including produce from the Kokkinochoria farming area and catches from local fishing fleets.
“We should be offering visitors not just sun and sea, but the chance to get to know Cyprus through its flavors, its products, its traditions, its culture and, above all, its people,” Senekis said.
The comments follow a recent expansion of Ayia Napa’s municipal boundaries, which brought four neighboring districts — Sotira, Liopetri, Avgorou and Achna — under the same local government as the resort town. Those districts include agricultural and fishing communities.
Senekis said his ministry would continue to support the region on issues including water security, environmental protection and rural development, alongside efforts to promote tourism.
Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannettou also spoke at the event, saying investment in culture has been a deliberate strategy for the municipality. He said the town aims to be internationally recognized while remaining economically productive and culturally distinct. He said the five districts that now make up the municipality each bring a different historical and economic identity that could support broader development.
