Positive trend in tourism to continue in 2017, Minister says

The growing trend in tourist arrivals and tourism revenue is expected to continue this year, with Tourism Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis saying that “a new national strategy for the tourism industry is about to be concluded.

Dpeaking at the annual meeting of the Cyprus Hoteliers’ Association (Pasyxe), Lakkotrypis said that 2016 was a landmark year for Cyprus tourism, with 3.2 mln tourist arrivals, breaking past the 3 mln barrier for the first time, and with revenues up 12% and exceeding EUR 2.3 bln.

The Minister said that the tourist season has been extended and hotels operated for a longer period during the year. During the winter months of 2016, some 464,000 tourists visited Cyprus, up 23% from 2015 and 54% compared to 2014.

“At the Ministry of Tourism we estimate that the positive trend in tourist arrivals and tourism revenue will continue in 2017. This conclusion derives both from the reservations and the flights scheduled to Cyprus, by existing and new airlines, and the contacts conducted by CTO with tour operators,” he said.

Lakkotrypis warned, however, that there is always a risk of Cyprus being affected by geopolitical instability in the region.

“Based on estimates of the firm in charge of the preparation of the (new) strategy, Cyprus has the potential to substantially increase the contribution of tourism to the economy, an increase which may relate to the income of the businesses of the sector and to the government revenue, the country’s GDP and jobs,” he noted.

Lakkotrypis also referred to the government’s plans to set up an under-secretariat for tourism, in addition to one for shipping and development.

He added that the general measures implemented by the government to improve tourist arrival numbers include the simplification of visa procedures, increased air connectivity and the promotion of major infrastructure projects, adding that the operation of the first casino resort in Cyprus and the building of marinas in Ayia Napa, Paralimni and Paphos will also contribute substantially.