Cyprus could achieve significant economic benefits through year-round tourism, with reduced government expenditure on unemployment benefits and increased state revenues among the primary advantages, the head of the Cyprus Hotels Association said on Thursday.
Christos Angelides, General Director of PASYXE, told state radio that extending the summer season through November would require coordinated efforts from all tourism stakeholders, from hotels to restaurants and transport operators.
“For us to succeed, hotels must take the risk to remain open, whilst local communities must support operations through restaurants and small shops, so we don’t create an image of ‘dead towns’ despite good weather,” Angelides said.
Extended season could reduce unemployment benefits and increase revenues
The strategy would deliver multiple economic benefits, according to Angelides. “The state will stop paying unemployment benefits, revenues will increase, whilst the industry will become more attractive to young people. They will be able to work 12 months instead of seven, building a stable career in tourism,” he said.
Achieving year-round tourism requires collective effort involving all stakeholders, from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to hoteliers, travel agents, restaurant professionals, supermarkets, taxi drivers and other transport operators, Angelides noted.
The tourism chief expressed optimism about the sector’s continued upward trajectory this year, building on positive performance in recent years.
Scandinavian market shows growth potential in winter months
Angelides highlighted the Scandinavian market as holding significant development potential, particularly during winter and peripheral months. The region currently generates approximately 250,000 annual arrivals but shows scope for expansion.
“Scandinavians travel extensively in winter, as do Germans, and that’s where we should target,” Angelides said.
Rising temperatures present another factor supporting season extension. July and August temperatures increasingly reach 45 degrees Celsius, making conditions challenging for residents and tourists from northern countries. November temperatures for northern European visitors compare to July and August conditions for Cypriots, making extended seasons climatically logical.
Britain remains Cyprus’s largest tourism source market despite its share declining from approximately 50% to 30-33% in recent years. Israel and Poland show significant momentum, with Poland recording growth from several thousand arrivals to nearly 90,000 within one year, supported by new air connections.
Germany shows gradual progress whilst Romania presents interest due to its geographical proximity to Cyprus.
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