Cyprus is seriously interested in the Chinese market and the Beijing tourist market is the initial step of a specific strategy to attract tourism from this gigantic market.

This was the message that Cyprus Tourism Organisation President Panos Englezos conveyed during the Beijing International Tourism Expo 2009, from June 18-20, where the CTO participated with its own pavilion.

Englezos promoted extensively through the local media the great opportunities that Cyprus has to offer in the field of travel. The CTO hosted a lunch for Chinese tour operators which was also attended by Cyprus Health Minister Christos Patsalides who paid an official visit to China.

Englezos also offered Cyprus’ help in the issue of thalassaemia in his capacity as chairman of the International Federation of Thalassaemia.

The CTO organised a workshop where it presented the landmarks of the island as well as its tourism attractions.

The Cypriot delegation held contacts with officials of the local government in the Guangzhou.

The CTO will try to improve air links with China and the visa procedure for the country.