Cycle route network is key part of tourism development strategy.

Cycle tourists welcome - that's the message from Cyprus, where the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has signalled its intention to make cycle tourism one of the key elements of its tourism development strategy. With year-round good weather and beautiful scenery, Cyprus is an ideal destination for cycle tourists and the CTO aims to build on this natural advantage by creating a rural cycle route network that will tempt yet more cyclists to the Mediterranean island. The CTO is currently in the process of studying how such a network can be Cyprus plans for cycle tourism Cycle route network is key part of tourism development strategy. With year-round good weather and beautiful scenery, Cyprus is an ideal destination for cycle tourists and the CTO aims to build on this natural advantage by creating a rural cycle route network that will tempt yet more cyclists to the Mediterranean island.  The CTO is currently in the process of studying how such a network can be  designed and implemented and as part of this, a delegation recently visited Sustrans in the UK to discuss best practice in route development and promotion. Following completion of the study, work on an initial infrastructure phase is due to begin in 2006 in the picturesque Troodos Mountains. The project, which has been put forward for co-funding under the EU structural funds, will consist of minor road infrastructure works, signage, information and marketing and is scheduled for completion in 2007. 
In the long-term, the CTO hopes to link its rural cycle route network to cycle routes  in coastal and urban areas, creating a national route network spanning the entire island.  Cyprus became a part of the EuroVelo network in 2004 and its planned network will provide an important extension to EuroVelo Route 8, the Mediterranean Route.