TRAVEL: Cyprus agrees joint holiday packages with Israel, Egypt, Jordan & Lebanon

Cyprus’ Tourism Deputy Ministry has agreed with Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon to promote joint tourist packages mainly aimed at attracting visitors from Asia and North America.

The deal to link key sites between the regional neighbours as part of a holiday package seeks to attract more tourists from the United States, Canada, China, Japan and France.

Data collection, analysis and consultations have taken place over the last three months between the countries involved.

Cyprus has reached an agreement with Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon while consultations with Greece are also expected to conclude soon, a tourism ministry statement said.

The packages include scenic tours, promoting key characteristics and sightseeing landmarks of the countries involved, such as areas of natural beauty, cultural monuments, popular events, which visitors can enjoy as part of a single holiday package.

Joint packages include the following thematic tours: Dive into the Aphrodite’s sea, Following the footsteps of St Paul, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Gastronomy, The hidden treasures of the Phoenicians’ route, and A photographic journey through the natural beauty of the East Med.

The next step will be to brief tourist operators on this new holiday package for niche tourism.

The tour programme will also be the basis of excursions in Cyprus and offered to cruise passengers who are visiting the island.