Cyprus Tourism To Mount Strong Presence At Arabian Travel Market

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Jan-April 2011 Tourist Arrivals To Cyprus From Me Grew By 4%
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) will be mounting a strong presence at the forthcoming Arabian Travel Market in Dubai from 2nd to 5th May in conjunction with Cypriot travel industry professionals at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

“The outbound tourism market from the Middle East offers strong potential for Cyprus as the destination’s year round climate, beautiful scenery, traditionally hospitable people and rich civilization make an ideal product for the regional traveller,” said Vassilis Theocharides, Director CTO Middle East Arabian Gulf Office.

Overall, tourist arrivals in Cyprus increased 6% year-on-year in April, the Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus revealed recently. In the January-April 2011 period, tourist arrivals in Cyprus from the Middle East grew 4%.

Mr Theocharides added that as the Eastern-most member of the European Union, the island of Cyprus is a perfect holiday get away for the regional traveller

Some of the leading travel trade companies from Cyprus will be exhibiting under the CTO umbrella at the Cyprus pavilion during ATM this year including Chronos Travel Ltd., Columbia Hotels Resort Ltd/Londa Hotel, Cyprus Health Services Promotion Board, Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel, Le Meridien Limassol Spa Resort.,  Lordos Hotels (Holdings) Ltd., and Palco Travel Co. Ltd.

Commenting on Cyprus’ latest tourism trends, Theocharides added: “We have noticed an increased movement for incentives trips in Cyprus, mostly stemming from the Middle East and India. Underlining the attraction of Cyprus to its Middle Eastern neighbours Theocharides said: “Cyprus has been a traditional destination for the Middle East for many years. The short-haul distance from the region allows travellers to choose Cyprus for short escapes; the average length of stay from our latest statistics is four days.”

 “Each country in the Middle East has different needs; the Lebanese travellers prefer our beaches whilst the Gulf countries want to discover the island and particularly enjoy the serene nature,” said Theocharides.  Recently Trip Advisor released the ‘World’s Best Beaches’ and Ayia Napa received the first place from all the European Destinations!

As Cyprus is proving such a popular destination with its regional counterparts, coupled with a strong increase in tourist arrivals to Cyprus from the UAE over the past five years, CTO has opened a new visa processing centre in Dubai to facilitate tourists and fast track visa processing.

Cyprus is just a short haul flight away (three and a half hours) from most Arab cities and the island, though small in size, is big in variety, offering a range of climate types in close proximity that are extremely easy to access.