Following the success and the significant response to the subsidy for the creation of traditional handicraft and winemaking workshops for the public in 2021, the initiative will continue throughout 2022, the deputy ministry of tourism said on Tuesday

Local and foreign visitors will therefore be able to choose among 3,000 workshops created with the grants put in place by the government, a statement released by the deputy ministry of tourism said.

The aim of the initiative is to give Cypriot and foreign visitors the chance to observe, free of charge, craftsmen and artists local to these areas producing artisanal crafts like clay pots, wicker baskets, embroidery and textiles and preparing products like halloumi, pastries, wine and charcuterie.

Visitors will also be able to attend free Cypriot wine pairing workshops given by members of the Cyprus Chefs Association.

In addition, licensed tour guides will lead free community tours.

The deputy ministry aims to promote, highlight and enrich the island’s rural tourism product while also looking to financially stimulate local communities, small family businesses and sectors of the culture and wine industry.

Moreover, the extension of the initiative will also look to further promote the initiative called “Heartland of Legends” aimed at promoting Cyprus’ cultural heritage by developing tourism in rural and mountainous areas of the island, the announcement said.

The workshops will take place every weekend, on Bank holidays and Wednesdays from 10am to 7pm from April to November and from 10am to 5pm from December to March.

More details can be found at www.visitcyprus.com and at https://heartlandoflegends.com/.

The deputy ministry of tourism finally advised people interested in taking part in any workshop to contact the organisers directly in order to book their spots.