Filenews 28 January 2023 - by Ioanna Mantzipa
The institution of Christmas villages of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is characterized as highly successful, with preparations for this year's villages having already begun, as in the previous days the Council of Ministers approved for 2023 the relevant bill for their subsidy. The Christmas villages initiative operated for the first time in 2021 amid the pandemic and restrictive measures, while the second year, which ended on the weekend of January 14-15, 2023, closes with a positive sign and with visitors exceeding 350,000.
The seven Christmas villages that operated for 2022-2023, were embraced by thousands of local and foreign visitors, with the initiative of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to upgrade the tourism product through specific quality labels, being characterized as fully successful. More than 40,000 visitors every weekend, they had the opportunity to buy local products and handicrafts, enjoy traditional dishes and entertainment events in the communities of Agros, Deryneia, Kalavasos, Kalopanayiotis, Kyperounta, Fikardos and Polis Chrysochous.
Speaking to "F", the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Savvas Perdios, expressed his satisfaction with the institution, noting that the numbers of visitors have far exceeded the expectations of the Deputy Ministry. Indicatively, he mentioned that about 40 to 50,000 visitors visited all seven villages every weekend with the total number reaching about 350,000 according to the data provided to the deputy ministry by the communities.
"This is an institution that 'enlivens' the communities and gives the opportunity to thousands of visitors to have a nice weekend," said Mr. Perdios, noting that the institution came to offer an alternative way of escape during the winter and holiday season.
The participating communities saw their squares full of people, while small and large businesses worked and served thousands of visitors making a good turnover for the next period. It is indicative, as Mr. Perdios mentioned, that the communities that participated last year are satisfied with the arrival of people while they have already expressed interest in participating in the institution of Christmas villages again this year.
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has already got to work for the villages of 2023, with Savvas Perdios saying that the next step is the announcement of the new grant scheme. He noted that the Council of Ministers has already approved the grant bill with the deputy ministry preparing to proceed with a tender.
In addition to the announcement, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is also preparing to promote the institution abroad, in order to promote and further attract visitors during the winter season.
Asked which Christmas village stood out, Mr. Perdios said each community had its own grace. He brought for example Polis Chrysochous and the fact that the Christmas village was set up in the square and by the sea. He referred to the community of Fikardo, saying that visitors had the opportunity to see up close the stone houses of another era. "All 7 villages stood out, each with its own grace", he said characteristically.
Through the institution of Christmas villages, dozens of small family businesses are given the opportunity to make a good turnover. It is indicative that many of them were almost full and visitors were required to reserve a seat. At the same time, dozens of small cafes, inns, businesses with local products, for two months worked and made receipts that they would do only during the summer season.
