Be an ‘ambassador for tourism’ pleads CTO

THE CYPRUS Tourism Organisation (CTO) has established a new programme aimed at promoting Cyprus as a destination for business conference tourism.

‘Ambassadors in Tourism’ is asking for Cypriot or foreign volunteers who travel regularly to international and regional conferences to champion the virtues of Cyprus whilst abroad, encouraging organisations to locate future events here on the island.

The CTO wish to take advantage of Cyprus’ existing attractions for tourists – along with its geographical location – to convince multinational corporations to visit. Their website portrays Cyprus as more than “a dot on the map”, with excellent and convenient transport links from Africa, the Middle East and the rest of Europe. They also promote the infrastructure already in place here such as hotels and conference rooms, complimented by the “beautiful weather throughout the year with spectacular views of azure waters.”

Though they are hailing ‘Ambassadors in Tourism’ as “the most innovative programme the CTO has ever led”, lines of communication between the CTO and their volunteers seem to be experiencing teething problems. Voluntary ambassador and Head of Life and Health Sciences at Nicosia University Dr. Edna Yamasaki told the Cyprus Mail: “I have no idea what my role is.”

A statement from the CTO specified that they wish to target amongst others academic, medical, governmental, entrepreneurial and ministerial conferences, as well as societies, sports and art associations. They are appealing to patriotic Cypriots to “show their love for their motherland” by becoming an ambassador in tourism and helping to boost the industry.

Those wishing to participate – from any profession or nationality – must complete an online ‘statement of interest’ in time for the ambassadorial opening ceremony on October 12. Further details on volunteering can be found at www.cyprustourismambassadors.com.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.