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For many years Cyprus’ economy has been vulnerable to upward and downward spirals in tourist arrivals due to economic and political conditions in Cyprus, Western Europe, and the Middle East, and more recently by the global recession.
Even though the Cyprus government allocated increased funds to the stricken tourist industry for 2009 to 2010, the latest figures published by the statistical services still show a downturn for Cyprus tourism, but much of this could be attributed to the global recession. The statistics published in February 2010 reveal the following;
Tourists arrivals reached 45.952 in January 2010 compared to 47.066 in January 2009, recording a decrease of 2,4%. A decrease of 10,2% was recorded in tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom (17.788 in January 2010 compared to 19.809 in January 2009) and 8,1% decrease from Germany (4.083 compared to 4.442 last year).However, an increase of 8,4% was recorded in tourist arrivals from Greece (from 6.888 in January 2009 to 7.470 in January 2010).
However, a recently published (December 2009) survey by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) which was carried out by the Centre for Economic Research (CER) shows that visitors to Cyprus feel the island’s infrastructure is the worst defining aspect of their stay. Parking, pavements, cycle tracks and public toilets are all instances of the sort of infrastructure which the CTO says is missing from Cyprus, needs improvement, or is in a bad state of cleanliness or repair, with the main complaints of British tourists being centered on lack of public transportation (*This service was upgraded in July 2010. Panos Pasiardes, the Director of the CER is quoted as saying in relation to the survey results “As a society, as a political system, we seem to lack the will to improve the infrastructure and services provided.” Adding “The problems won’t be solved by themselves but require a period of continued investment in a quality tourist product. The tourist product has essentially stayed the same for years and, thus, has fallen behind competitors.” And finally his comment that we agree with 100% - “I would say the economic crisis will pass for those who make the effort to improve. For those who stay the same, the crisis will never pass.”
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is responsible for the formulation and implementation of Government policy on matters pertaining to 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 CTO has also implemented a 2010 Strategic Plan. The plan seeks to reinstall Cyprus in the Iinternational tourist market on the basis of sustainability and quality.
It is beleived that with the construction of tourism development projects such as new marinas and golf courses, that Cyprus tourism will soon see a steady turn-around again. Agro tourism is also expanding, and has much to offer as an alternative holiday.
The new Limassol marina plans are advancing, and its completion should see an attractive option open up to the yachting society. An agreement was signed in March 2010 with Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, for the operation of the new Marina. Camper & Nicholsons is widely recognised as one of the World’s oldest and most prestigious yachting business names, with origins dating back to 1782 when boat building began in Gosport, UK. The company has specialised in marina and waterfront development for over 40 years and has provided services to clients in more than 25 countries worldwide. It is expected that the new Limassol Marina will welcome the first yachts in the Autumn of 2012. It will be able to accommodate all types of vessels, from sailing yachts to mega yachts, and will feature a dry dock for light repairs and maintenance. It will bring a new level of quality and service to yachting on the island and provide facilities of the highest standard.
With the completion of the new terminals at Paphos airport and Larnaca airport, it is hoped that new airlines can be attracted to Cyprus, for it 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.
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