The government pays a lot of attention to improving quality and promoting Cypriot wines overseas, said Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister George Lakotrypis.
Addressing the opening of the 54th Wine Festival in Limassol, on the southern coast on Thursday, he said the government is examining 31 applications for a 16 million euro investment scheme and grants totalling 6.3 million euro for the wine industry, as part of a national investment plan announced by the government in June.
He said the government is implementing national and co-sponsored subsidy plans that aim to increase exports to new markets such as China and to support viniculture and winemakers to boost their share in the local market.
Mayor of Limassol Andreas Christou said the Festival remains a dedication to wine, the most ancient product of the Cypriot land, and expresses respect and recognition to the local viniculture tradition, promotes Cypriot wine makers and is a traditional celebration.
Limassol, he added, “remains the centre of viniculture and wine growing which in the past years has entered a new stage of producing high quality bottled wine that can compete with international wines”.
Major wineries as well as regional ones are participating in the Festival which will run until September 6, offering visitors a great variety of wines. Stands with traditional food, delicacies and souvenirs will also be on offer.
The Wine Festival, which takes place at the Municipal Gardens, also features dozens of other events such as concerts, theatre performances, storytelling, shows with magicians etc.
With the support of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, free transfer is provided with shuttle buses running from Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos and Ayia Napa.
CNA/AAG//EC/MM/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY