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one that occupies a significant place on the Eu-
ropean cultural map. Even more important is the
confidence the Cypriot public has in the Festival,
combined with the number of foreign visitors who
return year after year to attend the performances.
After 14 years of contributing to the cultural devel-
opment of Cyprus, the Festival has helped to in-
crease awareness of the arts and has contributed to
shaping Cyprus into a vibrant melting pot of people
and cultures. This goal was achieved after pains-
taking efforts to promote the Festival abroad as a
tourist destination via tourism trade fairs; partner-
ships with overseas tour operators; advertisements
in the international press and on radio and TV sta-
tions; press conferences; direct invitations to gov-
ernment officials in various countries, and contacts
with global opera companies, as well as outreach
to embassies and institutions in Cyprus and abroad.
Up until three years ago, the number of foreigners
attending the Festival outnumbered Cypriot attend-
ees 60 to 40. The increased participation of Cypriot
soloists in the productions, and the publication of
programmes and the implementation of supertitles
in Greek and English, has helped draw more Cyp-
riots to the Festival.
The Pafos Aphrodite Festival is already in search
of the next producer and in consultation with vari-
ous agencies, as proper planning is essential to co-
operation with world renowned opera companies.
Fortunately for the Festival, many famous directors
of large production houses have been inspired by
the breathtaking setting of the Medieval Castle of
Pafos. Although every year the Festival encounters
a number of difficulties arising from staging a large
production in the open area of the square, it is a
unique performance space, one that draws opera
companies from all over Europe.
The organisation of the Festival is a flurry of year-
round activity, including design (cultural policy,
strategy, structure and function); enrichment of
the product; sourcing and managing sponsorships;
marketing and public relations, and the overall or-
ganisation of all activities related to the Festival.
The Pafos Aphrodite Festival Company evaluates
statistical data, delivers measurable results and
assesses the company and its operations once the
Festival has concluded – the Company undertakes
analysis and prediction, including market research
and evaluation, in tandem with product develop-
ment and design.
An underlying objective of the Pafos Aphrodite
Festival Cyprus is to increase cultural awareness
in Cyprus, thus the Company directly associates its
activities with education and training and plans to
Act 1 of the performance at Pafos Castle