The picturesque village of Agros, situated in the Pitsilia region at the Troodos mountain range, was selected by the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) as the best national tourism destination in the framework of the European Commission’s EDEN project (European Destinations of Excellence).
The EU project was related to “Tourism and Local Intangible Heritage”. Agros, situated at 1100 meters above sea level, was selected as the best tourism destination of Cyprus for its Rose Festival, which takes place every May.
Agros is a village famous for its rosewater industry, which started in 1918. Every May, the annual week- long Rose Festival takes place in the village, at the peak of the rose blossom.
The festival offers a choice of functions, activities, displays and demonstrations of local traditions, such as the rose water making process and handpicking of roses in the fields.
Along the festival grounds, local producers and the Agros Women’s Association offer Cypriot delicacies made with local recipies.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation was selected by the European Commission as the National Tourism Representative to implement the EDEN project in Cyprus.
CTO invited entries to its national EDEN competition for the selection of the Best Tourism Destination on the theme “Tourism and the Intangible Cultural Heritage”.
In total, three candidates participated in the national competition. Agros, for its “Rose Festival”, Marathasa for its “Cultural Month” and Solea for its program “On the paths of Tradition”.
CTO organized Monday an event to honor the winning candidate as well as the two other candidates.
Addressing the event, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides, said it is an honor for Cyprus to participate in such EU programs.
“It is an honor for Cyprus to participate in such programs, which have a broad European dimension and contribute to the selection of tourism destinations of excellence”, he added.
After its selection as Cyprus’ national tourism destination, Agros is now part of a selected team of 20 European destinations and will be promoted in Cyprus and abroad.
The next EDEN project theme will be “Tourism and Protected Areas”.
The Cyprus Tourism Organization will participate in the new project this year as well and will invite all parties interested to submit their applications.
