The Deputy Ministry of Tourism aims to establish Cyprus as a tourist destination for luxury yachting by 2035, through the National Tourism Strategy.
In a relevant chapter of the Strategy, in fact, after referring to the current situation, analyses the benefits and advantages of luxury yachting, as well as the Deputy Ministry's operational plan to achieve the aforementioned goal.
According to the Strategy, luxury yachting tourism is sea travel for recreational purposes using privately owned or chartered ships, sailboats, yachts or speedboats, with or without crew, which includes accommodation and catering services and during which visitors can choose the route of their choice (remote beaches, approach to anchorages, privacy, tourist shelters and marinas) and shape their own program (sightseeing, gastronomy, entertainment and recreation).
Particularly in the Mediterranean region, there is also a prevailing trend of chartering luxury yachts, sailboats and inflatable boats, with or without crew, for mini private cruises.
Boat chartering is the most productive and profitable activity of this form of tourism, while the clientele it addresses is mostly high-income individuals, it is further emphasised.
Based on the above, the vision of the National Tourism Strategy 2035 for this sector is the establishment of Cyprus as a "yachting hub" and "island hopping base" as an island destination with available infrastructure.
Current situation
Regarding the current situation, the Deputy Ministry notes that in Cyprus there are several Marinas and Mixed-Use Small Ports that meet the needs of (luxury) yachting, emphasising that the creation of Paphos Marina will complete the chain of services to these vessels on the free coastline of Cyprus, which is not covered today, while the development of the port of Latchi will assist in this sector.
According to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, there are modernised and well-equipped marinas for docking, refueling and generally servicing both pleasure boats and their passengers and crews.
The advantages
In terms of advantages, it indicates that luxury yacht tourism offers various advantages to the destination and the local economy.
As he states, "luxury yachting" customers are diverse with increased purchasing power, something that is reflected in the local society in many ways (benefits from boat maintenance, purchase of spare parts, food, drinks, etc.).
Below are some of the most important advantages that demonstrate that "luxury yachting" offers a personalised, luxurious and more private experience, with flexibility, accessibility to unique destinations:
- Personalised experience
In luxury yachting, passengers have complete freedom to customise their itinerary, choosing the destinations they wish to visit, the speed of travel, and their activities. This offers a highly personalised experience, something that is impossible on cruise ships with pre-set itineraries.
- Exclusivity and privacy
Luxury yachts are private, offering a high degree of privacy and avoiding the crowds common on cruise ships. The sense of exclusivity, combined with personal service, makes the trip a more luxurious experience.
- Lower environmental impact
Luxury yachts often visit less crowded destinations and small, remote ports. This means they put less pressure on local infrastructure and the environment compared to large cruise ships that bring crowds of tourists to sensitive areas.
- Personal service
On luxury yachts, the staff-to-passenger ratio is much higher than on cruise ships. This means that passengers receive an exceptionally high level of service and personal attention. The staff is able to meet the needs and wishes of guests immediately.
- Accessibility in remote locations
Luxury yachts can reach secluded beaches, small islands and destinations that are not easily accessible by large cruise ships. This allows passengers to discover unique places, away from the mass tourist traffic.
- Flexibility in the schedule
Unlike cruise ships that follow strict schedules, passengers on luxury yachts have the flexibility to extend their stay at a location they like or change destinations according to their preferences.
- A sense of luxury
Luxury is a main feature of this form of tourism. Yachts are equipped with top-notch amenities, such as luxurious rooms, private pools, spas, culinary experiences with a personal chef and many other amenities that make the experience unique.
Operational implementation framework
In relation to the plan to achieve the goal, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism states that the actions that have been taken so far to promote and promote nautical tourism mainly include marketing actions such as journalist trips to Cyprus for promotion through special features, selected listings, listings in specialised publications, participation in the annual "Boat Show Limassol" and hosting the Israel-Cyprus "Regatta". The organisation of international and local nautical tourism festivals to promote Cyprus in combination with other nautical destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean is also planned.
Collaborations and partners
It is worth mentioning that the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is collaborating with the Marinas Association to prepare the annual action plan, which includes a recording of important annual actions, events and professional exhibitions for joint participation and promotion of Cyprus as a "yachting hub" and "island hopping base".
(Source: InBusinessNews)
