Filenews 4 January 2026 -by Michalis Demosthenous
The mountainous communities of Cyprus are one of the most untapped and most promising chapters of the Cypriot tourism product.
They have a unique natural environment, a rich cultural heritage, authentic hospitality and a strong local identity.
In order for them to be maintained and develop meaningfully and sustainably and for the inhabitants to stay in their villages, especially the young people, a holistic approach is required that will combine the preservation of tradition with the modern tourism strategy and social infrastructure, with various necessary services and incentives.
1. Creation of a Clear Strategic Identity (Branding of Mountainous Areas):
Every mountain community must form a clear identity: To make it unique. What is its story and narrative? What experience does it promise the visitor?
The identity (Brand) must be communicated through homogeneous signage, visual identity (logo, colours, aesthetics).
A unified narrative for culture, entrepreneurship, gastronomy and nature. Utilization of Social media, videos, collaborations with influencers and travel writers.
2. Development of Specialized and Sustainable Tourism 365 Days a Year:
Mountainous areas should aim at forms of tourism that suit their environment: Walking and Nature Tourism, Promotion of nature trails, interactive experiences. Gastronomic Tourism, Religious Tourism, BirdLife Tourism, Conference Tourism, Local Products → Standardization and Quality Certification → Taste Experiences → Laboratories (e.g. Halloumi, Wine, Zivania, Traditional Bread, Pastes, Turkish Delight, Student Food).
Cultural — Craft Tourism, promotion of traditional arts, such as Lefkaritiko, pottery, silk making, workshops for visitors, exhibitions, certification of artifacts.
Wellness Tourism, relaxing experiences in a natural environment: aromatherapy, spa with local products, yoga with a mountain view. Themed experiences and winter tourism, Christmas villages, wine festivals, taste routes, mountain biking, theme parks, more frequent guided tours and much more are held in these places. Where visitors get authentic experiences.
With these development principles, ideas and plans, I believe that the income of those who live in mountain communities will increase.
3. Strengthening Entrepreneurship and Local Production:
Growth cannot happen without dynamic entrepreneurs and modern structures. Incentives for new businesses (hotels, cafes, restaurants, agritourism accommodation, art workshops, various light industries to attract labour).
Support of existing businesses in continuous training and quality certification. Creation of local Clusters (e.g. network of producers – entrepreneurs – communities).
Promotion of partnerships with tour operators and travel agencies.
4. Professionalism and Human Resources Training:
Service quality is a central issue. There should be: Training programs for hospitality professionals. Seminars on customer service, hygiene, presentation, communication. Education of young people for traditional arts and professions. Promotion of Cypriot hospitality as a quality experience and not a "simple service".
5. Infrastructure & Accessibility:
Without modern infrastructure, tourism cannot develop.
Improvement of roads, communal services and transport safety. Marking of trails, museums, attractions, new residential zones.
Building quality hotel complexes, tourist accommodation, agrotourism accommodation with local architecture with all safe facilities and final approvals with the appropriate local decoration.
Upgrading of squares, parks, theme parks, parking lots. Digital accessibility: Wi-Fi, information applications, online reservation system.
6. Environmental Protection and Sustainable Management:
In full alignment with the policy you highlight in the Tourism Think Tank. Building control so as not to alter the character of the communities. Waste management and recycling. Promotion of renewable energy sources. Protection of forests, water and natural heritage. Encouraging green business practices.
7. Community Cooperation – Creation of Unified Networks:
No mountain community should operate alone. It is proposed to create tourist routes (e.g. wine routes, cycling routes, honey routes, monasteries, folklore museums). Joint events and festivals.
Regional Agency for the Promotion of Mountain Tourism.
Collaborations with universities, schools, think tanks, foreign experts.
8. "Storytelling" Experiences – The Tourist Wants History:
Communities must tell their story through guided tours that narrate myths, experiences, tradition. Museums that bring history to life (Interactive displays, tools).
Personal experiences with residents (workshops, family wineries, traditional cuisines). This creates an emotional connection and a repeat visit.
9. Maintaining Authenticity – Without Over-Commercialization:
Development does not mean "what the city does". In order for mountain development to be successful, the following must be maintained:
The architectural identity. Raw materials and local products. The tranquility and naturalness of the mountain landscape. Traditional hospitality – with professionalism, not with alteration of values. The visiting tourist will meet the activities of the inhabitants and get experiences because he will be actively engaged and will acquire knowledge which he will transfer to his country.
These places must be accessible and properly cared for by equipment, safety and farmers and processors – producers must be trained to be able to transfer their knowledge to tourists.
10. Creating a Thriving Community — Not Just Tourist Destinations:
Development must first benefit residents:
Jobs for young people to stay in the villages, along with incentives.
Social structures: health, schools, cultural centers.
Programs for the restoration of abandoned houses.
Involvement of residents in decisions on tourism strategy.
Involvement in the agricultural occupations of the inhabitants, in standardization in the primary factor in order to have our own products and to avoid the many imports of fruits and vegetables or otherwise our tourist package will constantly become more expensive with the risk that our tourist country will not be so attractive in tourist bookings.
A prosperous community → creates a better product → attracts better quality tourism.
Conclusion
The mountainous communities of Cyprus can become one of the most competitive products of the Mediterranean, if a holistic plan is followed: cultural protection, sustainable development, professionalism and utilization of their natural and human wealth.
This model is not about "tourism only". It concerns the revitalization of the countryside, the reduction of urbanization, the creation of quality of life and the promotion of the Cypriot soul.
All this needs their Deputy Ministry to be created and organized. Otherwise, mountainous Cyprus at its current pace will slowly die. If we don't take care of it, in a few years it won't exist.
*FHCIMA, CEO / Tourism & Training Expert / Tourism Think Tank Representative
