CYPRUS

CYPRUS

The diverse island of Cyprus is enjoying a tourism boom with new properties and expanded programmes.

Cyprus hit the right chord with the UK market this year – the number of visitors increased by 15% for 2000. And the surge is set to continue.

Most operators claim sales for summer 2001 are already up on last year – by as much as 50% according to specialist operator Amathus.

To cope with the increasing demand, operators have expanded programmes across the board, adding a variety of accommodation from self-catering units to all-inclusive hotels.

Cosmos has more than doubled capacity for 2001, introducing the destination-focused Cyprus, Greece and Turkey brochure.

JMC is featuring both Polis and Latchi for the first time and Amathus has increased its capacity from Birmingham and Manchester by 20%.

Cyprus Tourism Organisation tourist officer Lillian Panayi said: “Cyprus is establishing itself as a quality destination offering value for money and there’s growing awareness of the huge diversity of holidays available.”

Although the boom for 2000 was partly due to the explosion of Ayia Napa as a destination for clubbers (see page 74), operators said all sectors of the market are buoyant.

Airtours has increased the number of children’s clubs to five for 2001 in order to meet demand for its Family First range.

Thomson has introduced its Superfamily product at the Elamaris in Protaras for next year.

November is particularly strong, said operators, and although winter 2000/01 has not witnessed the same boom as summer 2001, sales are reported to be slightly up on last year.

New on the market are short breaks to the island. Specialist operator Cyprair Holidays has introduced luxury breaks for three, four or five nights from November 2000 to March 2001.

Four nights at the five-star Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort start at £397 per person, including bed-and-breakfast accommodation and return flights (see page 70).

Sunvil Holidays and Olympic Holidays have also introduced short winter breaks.

Another increasingly strong market for many operators is weddings. Cyprus is now third in the top 10 list of wedding destinations for Airtours, and Cyplon launched a brochure dedicated to weddings in Cyprus this year.

JMC introduced weddings for winter 2000, with civil wedding packages starting from £189 per couple, excluding the marriage license cost of around £180.

Village-house holidays are also growing in popularity.

The Libra Holidays Group has had a good response to its dedicated agrotourism brochure.

Group managing director Andreas Dracou said: “Village houses aim to offer a different type of holiday for those who want to relax and explore, away from the crowds.”

The tourist office is keen to promote the special interest market – ranging from spa retreats to cycling, hiking, and golfing.

Argo Holidays has added a new health and beauty section to its Cyprus 2001 brochure which offers a range ofpackages across its seven resorts.

Cyprair managing director Chris Anastassiou said he was keen to improve flexibility in the type of holidays offered and promote a wide variety of leisure and special-interest packages for groups.

A colour advertising campaign running in Sunday supplements and specialist magazines begins this month portraying Cyprus as a year-round, diverse holiday destination.

Most operators agreed the key to Cyprus’ continued growth is its diversity.

Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: “Cyprus is a multi-faceted destination, it offers a lot and appeals to all segments of the market, from the lively clubbers to the more middle-aged couples who just want to come and relax. It will continue to grow.”

Sew much appeal: Cyprus appeals to all types, from young clubbers to older visitors looking to escape