In the picture from left: Giorgos Georgiou, Director of Department of Antiquities, Loucas Hamatsos, Press Officer (Cyprus Tr. Wr. & Journalists Society), Phivos Nicolaides, President, (Cyprus Tr. Wr. & Journalists Society), Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister of Culture, George Michaelides, Vice President, (Cyprus Tr. Wr. & Journalists Society), Emmanuela Lambrianides, Permanent Secretary, Joanna Eliades, Advisor, Polina Christofi, Archaelogical Officer at Department of Antiquities.
On October 15, a meeting was held at the Deputy Ministry of Culture premises in Nicosia with Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasisliki Kassianidou, with her colleagues and representatives of Cyprus Travel Writers & Journalists Society.
Welcoming the guests, Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou emphasized the importance of the Culture in public life including tourism. She informed the meeting on the events and activities such as film or music festivals, art exhibitions, cultural celebrations, and traditional fairs which organized and or supported by the Deputy Ministry of Culture, that attract not only locals but tourists as well.
In the picture from left: Giorgos Georgiou, Director of Department of Antiquities, Loucas Hamatsos, Press Officer (Cyprus Tr. Wr. & Journalists Society), Phivos Nicolaides, President, (Cyprus Tr. Wr. & Journalists Society), Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister of Culture, George Michaelides, Vice President, (Cyprus Tr. Wr. & Journalists Society), Emmanuela Lambrianides, Permanent Secretary, Joanna Eliades, Advisor, Polina Christofi, Archaelogical Officer at Department of Antiquities.
After the introduction “who we are” the president of the Association, Phivos Nicolaides, briefly explained the role of Cyprus Travel Writers & Journalists Society and how it relates to the cultural sector and he explored collaboration opportunities.
The vice president of the Association George Michaelides, who spoke also, emphasized the importance of the cultural events in promoting tourism and mentioned that the highlighting of archaeological sites as well as cultural activities in some rural areas would be advantageous in promoting Cultural tourism.
The Press Officer of the Association, Loucas Hamatsos, emphasized the Association’s connections abroad and the unique opportunity it has in spreading information on the events in tourism and cultural sector among the international partners. He pointed out that this remarkable venue is in fact at no cost.
The discussion focused, in particular, on culture activities and tourism. They all agreed that culture and historical monuments as symbols of country’s identity heritage are valuable tourism assets. They play a crucial role in promoting tourism for several reasons. Overall, culture and monuments are of vital importance for tourism, providing both tangible and intangible experiences that are crucial for culture-based tourism. During the meeting, satisfaction was expressed with the idea of exchanging mutual information on matters of common interest.
Finally, the proposal for cooperation in promoting the project for the “La Pomme d’Or” or “The Golden Apple” which is the FIJET equivalent of the Oscar in tourism was accepted and will be further discussed with the Department of Antiquities.
This award for excellence is presented each year to an organization, country, city, or person in recognition of superior efforts in promoting and raising the level of tourism. Since it was established in 1970, The FIJET Golden Apple Award has been presented to 45 recipients. This distinguished award, for excellence, presented in 1987 to “Laiki Gitonia” of Nicosia city.
