Cyprus Tourism launches promotions targeting Indian tourists

Cyprus, a year-round island destination in the Mediterranean with a population of close to 800,000 is eyeing the lucrative Indian outbound market. It announced its foray in the Indian market today.

To promote this desination, Cox and Kings India Limited is launching a 'free holiday' offer for 100 people through a print and television campaign. Cyprus is part of the European Union and Indians need a visa to visit Cyprus. They can also visit on a Schengan visa provided they have entered a Schengan country preceding a visit to Cyprus.

Vassilis Theocharides, director, Middle East and Gulf, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, said, "Cyprus is the closest European destination for Indian travellers. Though a modern island nation, it retains an essentially Mediterranean character."

"English is widely spoken in Cyprus as it was a former British colony and it has more than 19 Indian restaurants, which makes it even more comfortable for the Indian traveller,'' he added.

Speaking at the launch, Karan Anand, head - relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings India Ltd (CKIL), said, "We are launching a slew of marketing initiatives with Cyprus using our vast network of offices, agents and our franchisee stores across India and we believe that this would provide a platform in promoting Cyprus in the Indian market.''

The television campaign will provide highlights of the destination and viewers will have to answer questions on the destination via an SMS. The winners will be selected on the basis of this contest. The aim is to generate interest in Cyprus as a destination among Indians. This campaign will be launched shortly.
 
CKIL has also released an exclusive Cyprus brochure with information on various destinations and itineraries.