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A new sustainable tourism initiative that is aimed at boosting village economies has been launched in Cyprus.

Many smaller villages across the island have been marginalised by tourist activity and officials are keen to open them up to travellers, the Cyprus Mail reports.

The Village Routes project is a response to the growing number of visitors to Cyprus using rental cars and it will provide holidaymakers with a more authentic and unique experience by developing six routes between May 2006 and November 2007 that will feature the east and west coasts and the mountains.

Many foreign travellers in Cyprus are repeat or long stay visitors and the island is keen to offer them something new by providing them with a defined route map.

Philippos Drousiotis, chairman of the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI), told the newspaper that the route would give visitors 'a sincere and traditional Cyprus welcome'.

Developed by CSTI members, including UK tour operators, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, local tourism agencies and officials, hoteliers and environmental groups. Promotional material featuring the Village Routes will be placed in rental car agencies, with tour operators and in hotels.

The annual Cyprus Rally returns to the island on September 21 to 24 this year and is expected to attract huge crowds, boosting tourism spending and promoting it as a holiday destination. The Cyprus Rally 2006 is the 12th round out of 16 in the FIA World Rally Championship.


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