Cyprus keen on Middle East, India market
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
Having launched the Cyprus specialist program a couple of months ago, Cyprus Tourism is looking to educate the industry especially agents on the destination. Experience is what is the focus.
The certified agents program titled ‘Agents Love Cyprus’ was launched in the Middle East and for India. Participating agents would learn in-depth about the destination through the online module.
Talking to Travel Daily Middle East, Vassilis Theocharides, Director, Cyprus Tourism Organization – Middle East and Arabian Gulf Office said: “The online training specialist program is brief and can be completed in an hour. Our objective is to help agents better understand the destination and in turn make them ambassadors for Cyprus.”
Agents participating in the program, having completed the online training can look forward to familiarisation trips and workshops to enhance their knowledge of the destination.
With Lebanon ranking as the biggest market for Cyprus, Theocharides is keen to also tap into Middle East region and India market. “Our approach in India was to target the MICE market rather than the group segment. This was more to go the niche way and we noticed that the spending patterns are higher. However, the risk factor is also high. Considering the growing potential, we may consider setting up an office in future.”
The MICE segment in India is mainly targeted from Mumbai and special incentive programs have been rolled out to push numbers. One of the offerings are local gifts and cash incentives.
On the new development front, visitors can explore the massive marina which is currently in focus with keen offerings from hotels and shopping.