Tourism in Cyprus 

Tourism occupies a dominant position in the economy of Cyprus.1

Cyprus became a full member of the UNWTO when the organisation was created in 1975.2

According to the World Economic Forum's 2007 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, Cyprus' tourism industry ranks 20th in the world in terms of overall competitiveness. In terms of Human, Cultural and Natural Resources (in relation to the tourism industry) Cyprus ranks 3rd in the world. 3

Contents

Tourist arrivals

Recent figures of total arrivals: 4

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
2,303,200 2,349,000 2,470,100 2,400,9245

Tourists arrivals by country (2006) 6:

Country arrivals % of total
1 Britain 1,360,136 56.7%
2 Germany 152,808 6.4%
3 Greece 126,768 5.3%
4 Russia 114,763 4.8%
5 Sweden 94,028 3.9%

Distribution

Clean beaches such as this one in Ayia Napa are a major attraction to foreign tourists.

Much of the tourist industry relies on the clean beaches to attract foreign tourists. 7 This reflects in the seasonal distribution of tourist arrivals with a disproportionate number arriving during the summer months. Recently Cyprus has provided incentives for the development of winter and all year round tourism such as in the form of nature, golf and activity holidays. Marinas and casinos are being considered to add to the tourist attractions of the island.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation

The CTO has a status of a semi-governmental organisation charged with overseeing the industry practices and promoting the island as a tourism destination abroad. In 2007 the CTO spent a reported €20 million on promotion.8

References

  1. ^ "Cyprus Travel & Tourism - Climbing to new hights." (PDF). Accenture. World Travel and Tourism Council (2006). Retrieved on 2007-03-02.
  2. ^ "UNWTO member states". World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Retrieved on 2007-03-02.
  3. ^ "Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index", World Economic Forum. Retrieved on 2 March 2007. 
  4. ^ "Comparative indicators 2007" (.xls). Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus (2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-02.
  5. ^ Leonidou, Leo (March 23, 2007). "The Brits have bigger numbers but the Russians have bigger wallets", Cyprus Mail. Retrieved on 28 March 2007. 
  6. ^ "Tourist Statisctics 2006" (PDF). Page 60. Republic of Cyprus, Ministry of Finance, Statistical Service. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  7. ^ Habegger, Larry (June 10, 2007). "World Watch - European Clean Beaches", Chicago Tribune. Retrieved on 11 June 2007. 
  8. ^ "Cyprus to spend a mere EUR 20 mln to promote tourism in 2008", Financial Mirror (2007-08-17). Retrieved on 19 August 2007. 

External links

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Italics indicates an unrecognised or partially recognised country.  1 / 7 Entirely in Asia / on the African Plate, but historically considered European.  2 Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the border definitions.  3 Has part of its territory in Asia.