Flights from Israel are expected to resume next week, Christos Angelides, Director General of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association (CHA), has said, noting that this will be an “unexpected boost” for Cyprus’ tourism sector.
“Following the recent ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran, flights to Cyprus from Israel are expected to resume from next week, and in greater numbers than we have seen up to now,” he told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
He added that this was “very good news” and expressed hope that the development would continue, noting that Israel is the second largest market as regards tourists visiting Cyprus.
Asked about hotel occupancy levels in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus, and particularly in Famagusta district, the island’s main tourism region, Angelides said that surveys carried out by CHA, as well as daily feedback received from members, showed that April performance in Protaras was significantly weaker than in other parts of the country.
He said lower occupancy rates were also expected during the first half of May in Protaras, while other districts were in a stronger position than the Famagusta district.
Angelides added that all efforts were focused on safeguarding the crucial five-month period from June to the end of October, when hotels traditionally record their highest occupancy levels and the country benefits from increased tourist arrivals and revenue.
Asked about steps being taken by the Government and tourism stakeholders to reassure travellers that Cyprus remains a safe destination, Angelides said this was a priority shared by the Government, ministries, hotel companies, travel agents and friendly overseas partners promoting Cyprus abroad.
He said these efforts should continue until the end of the year, stressing that the perception of Cyprus as a safe and attractive destination must be maintained over a sustained period, regardless of whether visitor flows recover quickly or the sector performs strongly.
“When a country becomes associated with something negative, it takes time for public confidence to return,” he said.
“One of our key messages has always been, and remains, that Cyprus is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a very safe one. This is something we must protect at all costs.”
He added that efforts to convince visitors of Cyprus’ safety should continue throughout the year.
Angelides also said the time may now have come to focus seriously on diversifying Cyprus’ tourism product by adding attractions beyond sun and sea.
He said the country should identify areas less vulnerable to shifts in travel sentiment, citing sports tourism such as cycling, football and hiking.
Although the first months of the year had performed well, with various sporting events taking place, he noted there had also been a decline in the number of football teams coming to Cyprus for training camps.
He said more sporting events and competitions should be scheduled between November and March to fill possible gaps during the quieter season and strengthen Cyprus’ profile as a centre for sporting activities.
Angelides also referred to the Limassol and Larnaca marathons, saying these established events should be developed into globally recognised occasions.
He added that CHA remained committed to supporting its members for the benefit of Cyprus’ hotel industry and the wider economy.
(Source: CNA)
