CTO strives to rebuild Ayia Napa’s reputation

Cyprus tourist organisation

CTO strives to rebuild Ayia Napa’s reputation

Report by Steve jones

THE Cyprus Tourism Organisation is working to improve the tarnished image of Ayia Napa following claims that families are deserting the resort.

Specialist operators have warned Cypriot tourist officials that the clubbing and party image of Ayia Napa is driving away the five-star market (Travel Weekly March 19).

CTO London office director Orestis Rossides insisted Ayia Napa had not become overrun with clubbers.

“We are keen to restore travel agents’ confidence in selling the resort to families and are eager to communicate that there is plenty more to Ayia Napa than the club scene,” said Rossides.

“Although this is a high profile and important part of tourism to the town, it is concentrated in the village square and is only really prominent during July and August,” he added. “Traditionally the town has been popular for families and couples. We want to ensure that agents are aware there is still plenty to cater for this market.”

He stressed there is also a range of family-friendly hotels away from the main party areas and untouched by revellers.

Attractions for families include the recently opened Marine Life Museum, the Venetian monastery and WaterWorld Waterpark, he added.

Sunvil Holidays and Argo Holidays were among operators that raised fears about Ayia Napa during the Association of Greek-Cypriot Travel Agents conference in Limassol last month. They said it will damage Crprus’s image as an upmarket destination.

AGTA executive Yannis Efthymiou added: “Ayia Napa has some quality hotels. All we can do is promote it as having an alternative side to clubbing.”