Cyprus-born sisters promote island and Greek culture to Chinese audiences

Limassol, Cyprus. Marianna and Sofia Erotokritou have introduced Chinese audiences to Cyprus’s landscapes, villages and cuisine through Chinese-language videos, while also promoting Greek culture and tourism.

The Cyprus-born sisters, known online as the Greek Twins, say they aim to strengthen relations between China, Cyprus and Greece.

Studies and life in China

The sisters first became interested in China while they were still at school, influenced by their father Andreas Erotokritou, who travelled regularly to the country on business.

He returned with gifts and stories about China, its people, food and rapid development. At the age of 18, the sisters moved to Beijing to study, where they learned about Chinese culture and cuisine and witnessed the country’s technological and economic development.

Promoting Cyprus and Greece

Through social media accounts in China and the West, Marianna and Sofia became known as the Greek Twins, attracting millions of views with videos promoting Greek culture and tourism.

Their content has also highlighted Cyprus, from the snowy peaks of Troodos to its beaches, traditional villages and local food.

Their work has earned them the title of Greek Tourism Ambassadors, along with other honours in Cyprus and Greece.

Cypriot roots

Marianna said the sisters’ roots are in Limassol. They hold Cypriot and Greek citizenship and were born in Athens.

Their father is from Limassol, while their grandmother Panayiota is from Neo Chorio in Paphos and their grandfather Kyriakos is from Pano Kivides.

Although they grew up in Greece, the sisters said Cyprus has always remained central to their lives.

“We grew up feeling Cyprus not simply as our father’s place of origin, but as our second homeland. We have a home in Cyprus,” they said.