| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 13/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 68 |
| Copyright: Other |
Winter breaks
Island eyes year-round business
Destination promotes itself as alternative to Canary Islands
ONLY a short distance from the coast of north Africa, Cyprus enjoys year-round sunshine, with warm, balmy days lingering well into autumn.
November has seen strong sales – JMC extended its summer flights until the end of this month to meet demand – and bookings for March next year are said to be buoyant.
But operators and the tourist office are keen to promote Cyprus as a genuine year-round destination with plenty to do in winter besides lying on a beach – and interest from the UK market is growing.
Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides said: “Cyprus is a viable alternative to the Canaries for winter sun and offers quality and value for money.”
Olympic Holidays has added four new regional airports for winter – Luton, Bristol, Exeter and Newcastle -and reports that early bookings are “very satisfactory”.
Short breaks, introduced for 2000/2001 by several operators including Cyprair and Sunvil Holidays, are already proving popular with those wanting to escape the British winter, as are health packages at Cyprus’ spa hotels.
The ‘third age (retirement) market’ is a key target for winter and Libra Holidays has included Club Twilight to its winter 2000/ 2001 brochure. The lead-in price for a week at the Arsinoe Beach Hotel in Limassol is £285.
Traditionally, the winter season in Cyprus has centred on Paphos and Limassol, with Ayia Napa and Protaras to the east usually fairly quiet.
However, the tourist office is keen to promote the east year-round and hotels in the area have joined forces to arrange activities for clients.
Thomson will introduce eastern Cyprus into the Winter Sun 2001/2002 brochure, expanding the programme by 20%.
Weekly direct flights to Larnaca will serve Protaras and Nissi Beach during November next year and from February 18 to April 30 2002.
Life’s a beach:Cyprus has year-round sunshine, making it a perfect destination for a winter sun break