Cyprus Business Sectors - Tourism
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is responsible for the formulation and implementation of Government policy on matters regarding tourism, trade, and industry, whilst the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) operates offices both in Cyprus and abroad, with 22 offices in major cities worldwide promoting Cyprus.
The Cyprus tourism industry, as well as the tourism industry of other destinations, have been facing great challenges. With the construction of tourism development projects such as new marinas and golf courses, Cyprus tourism has started to see a steady increase in tourist arrivals.
Tourism accounts for about 12 per cent of the Cypriot economy, and the year 2011 saw a 10.1 per cent increase in arrivals, according to data released by the statistics department.
The new Limassol marina project has begun, and its completion should see an attractive option open up to the yachting society. President Christofias layed the foundation stone for the new marina project on 8th September 2010. The new Limassol Marina is scheduled for completion by the end of 2014 and will welcome the first yachts in the autumn of 2012 by which time Cyprus will hold the EU presidency.
During the laying of the foundation stone, Mr. Christofias said that “Following the construction of the new Larnaca and Paphos airports, the construction of marinas is also scheduled in Larnaca, Paphos and Agia Napa resort, as well as golf courses and conference centres, projects that will develop sports tourism as well as health and other forms of tourism“.
Flights to Cyprus are numerous to both international airports of Larnaca and Paphos, and it is expected that with the completion of the tourism development projects, tourists will be enticed into seeking to explore and experience more of the wonders that Cyprus has to offer its visitors.
Other positive factors are the new Cyprus bus service, as well as another low cost airline having signed a new contract with Hermes Airports in 2012. This will help increase tourist arrivals to a great extent, as many are seeking to reduce the cost of their holidays due to the ongoing worldwide economic crisis. The new deal foresees an additional 600,000 passengers in 2012 to Paphos airport from 14 new destinations which include Krakow, Memmingen, Bergamo, Oslo, Pisa, Rome and Stockholm
Cyprus does have a lot to offer tourists, with its history and archeology, culture, beautiful scenic beaches - 53 having been awarded Blue Flag status, and the amazing bio diversity of the Troodos mountains range, not to mention the mild year round climate. The outlook for Cyprus tourism is indeed positive.