Exploring the Impact of Wildfires on Cyprus’ Wine Tourism

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of wildfires on the wine tourism sector in Cyprus, where viticulture constitutes a vital pillar of rural development and cultural heritage. The primary objective is to understand how recent wildfires have affected wine tourism operations, infrastructure, and visitor perceptions, as well as to explore pathways for sustainable recovery and sectoral resilience. The study adopts a qualitative methodology. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with winery owners, tourism stakeholders, and local policymakers in fire-affected areas. Secondary data through the form of content analysis—including regional tourism statistics, environmental assessments, and industry reports were analysed to contextualise the findings. Preliminary results revealed significant disruptions to vineyard landscapes, supply chains, and tourism flows. Nonetheless, interviews uncovered a growing awareness among stakeholders of the need for adaptive strategies, such as fire-resilient vineyard practices, climate-conscious marketing, and the integration of eco-tourism narratives. These strategies are seen not only as recovery tools but also as long-term opportunities for repositioning Cyprus’s wine tourism identity. The findings offer valuable implications for post-crisis rural destination management and regeneration. Further, the results contribute to the broader discussions on climate resilience in tourism planning, particularly for Mediterranean regions increasingly vulnerable to environmental hazards.