Tourism in Cyprus has not only yielded higher revenues but has also been extended during off peak seasons as the industry remains one of the government’s top priorities, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Tuesday.
Speaking during the annual general meeting of the Cyprus hotels association (Pasyxe), Anastasiades expressed his wish for a closer relationship with hoteliers and other bodies in a bid to achieve a modern and creative state not only for its citizens but for every visitor to the island.
He outlined that a real feat had been achieved as the previous year had been the best for tourism since the founding of the Republic. All indications pointed towards this year being equally high.
This success was accompanied with increased revenue coupled with a tourism period that has been extended, reducing problems associated seasonal tourism, Anastasiades said.
Chairman of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) Angelos Loizou said off season tourism had increased 104 per cent since the period of 2013 and 2014 which had 300,000 visitors, to 613,000 in 2017 and 2018.
Tourism from January to May in 2018 had exceeded 1m visitors compared to about 990,000 in the same period last year, marking a 14.5 per cent increase, Loizou said.
“Marinas, casinos, golf resorts are only some of the projects we’re pushing which greatly improve our product,” Anastasiades told attendees.
Highlighting the integrated casino resort set to open its doors in 2021, the President said this would attract 300,000 new visitors per year.
Meanwhile, in cooperation with top experts from abroad, the government is also proceeding with preparations for a national strategy for tourism.
“We can go far with better organisation and better planning,” which is why the government is pushing for a bill on creating an under-secretariat for tourism which would be answerable to the president, Anastasiades said.
“I’m optimistic and publically express my thanks for cooperation with political parties which seem to adopt our proposal that will head to plenum in the next few days.”
Head of Pasyxe Haris Loizides said that although the industry was faring positively to achieve success in the long term and to be able to compete with neighbouring markets, specialised tourism should be developed that does not just rely on the sun and sea such as sports, gastronomy and conferences.
“We need less bureaucracy and more e-governance… we demand a more efficient public service and local authority.”
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