In an address to the 38th conference of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE), read by the President of Cyprus Tourism Association Angelos Loizou, Lakkotrypis said that the unrest in the global geopolitical scene and the continuing threat of terrorism is estimated to negatively affect both global tourism and in particular tourism in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Potential visitors are connecting these developments with Cyprus due to geographical proximity, he said.

The minister said there was a risk of a domino effect on the sustainability of large tour operators because of losses they have suffered in certain countries, with the possible negative economic fallout on other destinations.

He noted however that government efforts to upgrade the tourist product and increase the flow of tourists to Cyprus will carry on.

In 2015 tourism arrivals rose by 9% despite a large decline in the Russian market. The Russian decline was offset by a very large rise in tourism from other traditional markets countries.

Visitors from the UK rose by 19.5%, Germany by 30%, Israel by 43%, and Greece by 38%.

Arrivals from smaller markets also soared: France was up 25%, Netherlands 32%, Austria 35%, Poland 49% and Ukraine 23%.

New developments

In his speech the minister referred to large tourist projects currently promoted by the government that will help diversify the tourism product for Cyprus.

These include golf developments, additional marinas and the creation of an integrated casino-resort.

He said the ministry intends to improve the air connectivity of Cyprus substantially and facilitate visas from countries like China considered tourist exporters.

To this end, he said, the government is proceeding with establishing five authorised centres for visa applications in China with a view to creating another 10 in the future.

Source: InCyprus