The Cyprus Hotel Association is predicting record bookings this Christmas and New Year, reported the Cyprus Mail, and has credited a winter incentive package prepared by the government.
The Cypriot government transferred £250,000 to subsidize entertainment and cultural events, as part of the Commerce Ministry's commitment to boost tourism. Cyprus Airways has removed a £7 airport tax and is offering a £20 reduction for every extra passenger from Germany and the United Kingdom.
While official travel statistics for November are still to be released, Nicos Rolandis, the Cypriot minister for commerce, industry and tourism, has predicted that they will be between 10 and 15 percent higher than in 2001.
The authorities would like to see winter tourism increase from 20 percent of the year's total to 30 percent. But, at this stage, Rolandis said it is too early to say whether this is being achieved.
According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), Cyprus is the ninth most popular destination for a winter getaway for British tourists, of whom 53 percent say that the bad weather back home is the main reason for them wanting to get away. To date this year bookings from Britain have increased by at least 23 percent. ¯ (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
