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Tourists looking for a holiday full of culture and plenty of history may want to consider a trip to Cyprus.

The island nation has previously be synonymous with sun, sea and sand holidays that offer plenty of entertainment but little chance to learn about the culture of the region.

Now officials in the country want to change that image and develop its cultural offerings as well as tapping into the growing religious tourism market.

As part of this, Cyprus is preparing to flaunt its religious side which has previously been known only to those who cared to find out.

The island is full of churches and cathedrals and has played a very prominent role in Christianity.

'Cyprus has always been associated with religion. In earlier times there was no ship going to the Holy Land without stopping at Cyprus. We are known as the island of saints," said George Michaelides, chairman of the Cultural and Special Interest Tourism Association.

'We are more than just a sand and sea and sex destination.'

Officials say that 100,000 of Cyprus' 2.5m tourists already come for cultural reasons and they hope to expand on this number.

If you'd like to see this destination for yourself, use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights, hotels, holidays and car hire worldwide.

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