The Government expects that the positive course in the tourist industry will continue, pointing out at the same time that efforts to upgrade the tourist product should carry on.
Minister of Tourism Yiorgos Lakkotrypis on Friday addressed the Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Hotel Managers Association (PASYDIXE), stressing the positive performance recorded by the industry in 2015.
At the same time, the President of the Association, in his speech, spoke of a prolonged crisis and of a steady decline in the tourist sector.
Lakkotrypis said that the tourist sector has a remarkable performance, which should be taken into account in the positive economic data expected for the whole of the economy in 2016. He noted that by November 2015 a significant rise in tourist arrivals of 8,2% was recorded while arrivals for December also appear to be positive.
He said that the revenue was also good, despite the significant decline in arrivals from Russia. According to figures of the Statistical Service, there was an increase of 3.6% in October and an overall increase of 3.3% in the first ten months of 2015.
Lakkotrypis pointed out that the Government continues to take measures and to promote large-scale infrastructure projects. He mentioned projects to upgrade Cyprus` tourist product and efforts to extend the tourist season and improve air connectivity between Cyprus and other countries in order to attract as many tourists as possible. He also referred to the new infrastructure projects, including golf courts, marinas and the Integrated Casino Resort.
At the same time, he said, a study to develop a new long-term national strategy for tourism is being drafted.
CTO Vice President Costas Koumis said that 2015 is a successful year for Cypriot tourism, expressing confidence that statistical figures will show that tourist arrivals will exceed 2.6 million, recorded in 2000 and 2001.
According to Koumis, the UK market has recorded an increase reaching one million arrivals for the first time since 2011, while arrivals from Germany were up to 34%. However, he said, there were significant decreases from Russia and the Nordic market.
Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Andreas Matsis said developments were positive, pointing out the efforts of all key actors involved. Matsis also referred to external factors that contributed to these developments such as the currency exchange between the UK sterling and the Euro, the political crisis in the Middle East etc.
PASYDIXE President Vassos Kilani in his speech said that some say that 2015 was a year to celebrate in terms of tourist arrivals, however one needs to admit that this happened not only because of actions and initiatives in Cyprus, but because of adverse developments in competitive destinations. According to Kilani, the tourist sector in Cyprus for several years now has been in a cycle of a sustained crisis with features of slow but steady decline.
He noted that Cyprus ranks in the category of expensive and unprofitable destinations and called on the Government to demonstrate “innovative and creative” actions and to give financial incentives to hoteliers.