President of the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents Dinos Kakkouras has expressed concern that tourists coming to the island, although increasing in numbers compared to last year, spend little money during their vacations, noting that this is a trend that will continue.
In statements to CNA, Kakkouras said that according to last year`s data there was a small increase of 1.5% in tourist arrivals, but a decline in revenue.
This means, he explained, that the amount every tourist who visits Cyprus leaves has dropped compared to last year and it seems that this trend will continue. This is the case with all tourist markets – Russia, Germany, Britain – as shown by the statistics, he noted.
Kakkouras expressed concern about information regarding the Russian market, saying there is no evidence indicating how the tourist flow from this country will develop.
“If the loss from Russia remains high, we are not sure that it will be covered by other countries, such as Britain and Germany”, he added.
On the revenue from tourism, he said that people spend less as a result of the economic crisis in their countries.
Speaking to CNA, the Honorary President of ACTA Victor Mantovanis said he is pessimistic about prospects for this year`s tourism, primarily because of problems the Russian market is facing.
“I do not share the optimism that difficulties will be overcome easily. Russians choose low price packages and those who come here have reduced purchasing power, “he said.
On his part, President of Cyprus’ Hotel Association Haris Loizides told CNA that it is true that the statistics of the first months suggest this trend of reduced purchasing power of incoming tourists. He stressed that it is early to draw conclusions about the trend in the coming months.