Larnaca is banking on alternative tourism, with a focus on showcasing its traditions, culture, nature, and gastronomy.
The Larnaca Tourist Development and Promotion Company (LCCI) has unveiled a series of projects and initiatives planned for this year, alongside a new destination brand set to launch before summer.
“We are capitalising on the potential of the Larnaca region,” LCCI director Nana Asmeni told Phileleftheros. “We’ve seen success in growing our tourist share and attracting international hotel chains. This year, with the backing of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, we’re implementing a substantial action plan to further enhance the tourist experience while preserving the authenticity of Larnaca.”
Several innovative projects aim to give tourists a taste of local life:
- The Village Farm in Agios Theodoros: This “Instagrammable village” will offer visitors the chance to interact with animals at a new farm, located next to the existing Village Garden.
- New Bee Walking Trail in Vavla: Following the success of the “The Buzz of Bees” trail in Vavatseinia, a second bee walking trail will be created in Vavla to enrich the visitor experience in the area’s honeybee villages.
- Instagrammable Spot in Choirokoitia: The Neolithic archaeological site of Choirokoitia will be promoted in a new way with an “Instagrammable” spot featuring replicas of the famous Neolithic houses.
Larnaca’s artistic heritage will also be highlighted:
- Artistic Bus Stops in Athienou: Bus shelters in the village of Athienou will be decorated with designs showcasing the community’s renowned Venis needlework, a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Background with Lefkara Embroidery Design: The heart of Lefkara village will be adorned with a permanent display featuring the margarita pattern, a famous lacework design inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
- Permanent Sculptures in the Artist’s Park: The newly inaugurated Mediterranean Artist’s Park will be enriched with the creation of permanent sculptures by local artists.
Larnaca is making a splash in scuba diving tourism:
- Scuba Diving the Lambousa 2: This summer, the 23-metre-long Lambousa 2 ship will be sunk to create a new dive site in Larnaca’s marine protected area. This follows the successful submergence of the Elpida and LEF1 vessels.
LCCI is investing in digital experiences:
- Expansion of Digital Programmes: The award-winning Larnaka Storytelling Statues and Larnaka Virtual Museum programmes will be expanded, alongside the virtual reconstruction of archaeological sites.
- New Branding Campaign: A dynamic new branding campaign will be launched alongside the new branding materials developed by ETAD in collaboration with private organisations. Asmeni highlights that the campaign is based on research and includes a brand manual, video content, and social media promotions.
Larnaca’s tourism sector is booming, with the region’s tourist share exceeding 12%, up from 11.4% in 2016, Asmeni explains. This growth is attributed to a rise in tourist beds, with 15 new hotels opening in recent years. The future looks bright, with additional hotels planned, including several boutique hotels in the city centre.
LCCI is committed to promoting Larnaca’s unique culinary offerings:
- P.O.P. Designation for Local Products: Work will begin this year to secure Protected Designation of Origin (P.O.P.) status for Larnaca’s food and beverage products.
Several projects aim to preserve and celebrate Larnaca’s culture and heritage:
- Kitesurfing Area Enhancement in Kitie
- Upgrade of Rizoelia Park
- Illumination of the Prophet Elias Chapel in Oroklini
- Landscaping of the Pyla Coastal Park
- Restoration of the British-Era Springs in Tochni
- Contribution to the Pervolia Lighthouse Regeneration Project
- Establishment of a New Fishing Museum in Zygi
- Documentation and Presentation of Local Myths and Legends
- Organisation of a Festival of Traditional Culture
