A new European project focusing on olive and vine culture is being implemented in Crete by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAIX) and the Cretan Winemakers Network, within the framework of the INTERREG Greece-Cyprus program. The project aims to promote sustainable tourism development by highlighting the common history and cultural elements that connect the two regions.
The project, entitled “Olive and Vine – Cultural Routes of Knowledge, EL-WINE ROOTS”, aspires to highlight the olive tree and the vine as central pillars of sustainable tourism development, leveraging the wealth of Mediterranean cultural heritage. Through the creation of tools, infrastructure and promotional activities, the program aims to disseminate knowledge and history associated with the two crops, while contributing to the formation of a tourism awareness and culture based on sustainability.
Recording cultural resources and creating promotion strategies
Among the specific objectives of the project is the collection and recording of the intangible and tangible cultural resources of each intervention area — from myths and traditions to natural and cultural points of interest. At the same time, it is planned to produce knowledge and strategic approaches to highlight and attract visitors interested in thematic routes around the olive tree and the vine.
The project will explore the target markets and needs of tourists, seeking to combine cultural elements and tourism resources. Infrastructure and tools will be developed that will enhance the transmission of experience and knowledge about the culture of the two crops, while pilot outreach actions are planned for the promotion and networking of the regions involved.
Kick-off meeting of partners in Cyprus
The kick-off meeting of the project partners took place on 30 and 31 October 2025 in the Municipality of Lakatamia, Cyprus. During the meeting, the objectives and individual actions of each partner were presented, as well as the planning of the next stages of implementation.
From MAICH, Mr. Georgios Angelakis (Project Manager) and Mr. Michael Milidakis (Technical Expert) participated, while the Crete Winemakers Network was represented by Director Ms. Elli Ghika. From the Cypriot side, the Nicosia Development Company (which has the role of coordinator), the Limassol District Development Company and the Municipality of Lakatamia participated.
Two-year duration and next steps
The project has a duration of two years, from 29 May 2025 to 31 May 2027, and is part of the transnational cooperation between Greece and Cyprus for the promotion of cultural identity and the strengthening of thematic forms of tourism. The next meeting of the partners is scheduled to take place in June 2026 in Heraklion, Crete, where the first results and pilot examples of actions will be presented.
The project “Olive and Vine – Cultural Routes of Knowledge, EL-WINE ROOTS” is another step towards connecting tourism with the agri-food and cultural wealth of the Mediterranean, highlighting the cooperation between Greece and Cyprus as a model for the promotion of sustainable forms of tourism with respect for tradition and the environment.
