The new commercial identity of Larnaca was presented by the city’s Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP).
“The creation of a new commercial identity in a destination that is constantly upgrading in terms of tourism is more than necessary, since without any doubt the tourist environment is becoming more and more competitive,” said the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Costas Koumis.
He also said that Larnaca’s new commercial identity, has been shaped to reflect the city’s authentic identity and the region’s special characteristics, including its rich history, local gastronomy and, most importantly, the adoption of sustainable practices in the development of tourism.
New commercial identity more than just a logo
There has even been a new logo created for Larnaca as a tourist destination, which Koumis described as “smart”, as it “presents in a smart and functional way those elements that are intertwined with the destination, functional, but also easy to use, in the sense that it can be reproduced in various forms”.
Mr. Koumis also mentioned that “rebranding, is not just changing a logo, or an advertising slogan, it is much more. It is the collective effort and willingness to reboot, so it is important as an effort to be embraced by all those who make up the tourism ecosystem of the destination,” he said, noting that “it is necessary that is what we, as the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, are calling for, the alignment of the entire ecosystem.”
Larnaca as a tourist destination
Referring to the city and province of Larnaca, the Deputy Minister said that “it is of the highest archaeological, historical and of course touristic importance, since it is among the very few cities in the world with a continuous history of more than 4000 years of life, which is confirmed through the many exhibits in museums, archaeological sites, as well as through its architecture and traditions.” “Larnaca’s comparative advantage over most other cities is the proximity of its centre to the international airport and port,” he noted.
These elements, he continued, “in combination with its rich history and tradition, culture, as well as its beautiful beaches and the gastronomic options it offers, make Larnaca an all-year-round attractive destination, ideal for every visitor. The important monuments of world interest, such as the Holy Church of St. Lazarus, the mosque of Hala Sultan, the ancient settlement of Choirokoitia and the picturesque mountainous communities of Larnaca, such as Lefkara, which, in 2021, were awarded by the World Tourism Organization as one of the most beautiful tourist villages in the world, are just some of the elements that make Larnaca an attraction for thousands of visitors from Cyprus and abroad.
During his announcement, the Deputy Minister of Tourism also referred to the “negative news over the last few days in relation to the unified development of the port and the Larnaca Marina” which, he said, “cannot in any way stop the development course of the city and Larnaca province”. “The government’s goal is to launch the project again as soon as possible, because without a doubt this is a project that will have a very positive impact on the city, Larnaca as a province and on the whole country,” he said.