Cyprus’ eastern-Mediterranean position has allowed it to become established as a hub for mini-cruises to Israel and Egypt.
This has in turn spawned a new regional product – short breaks by air to neighbouring Middle East countries.
The breaks are made possible by the high frequency of flights between Larnaca and Damascus, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Amman and Cairo operated by Cyprus Airways and other national carriers. Amathus has introduced a range of pre-bookable short breaks from Cyprus for this summer.
Sales and marketing manager Alison Jago said: “We have high expectations for our new series of short break, which runs from May to late October.
“The biggest demand has been for Jordan, with one night costing £350 including a full day tour to Petra. However, Lebanon, with two nights for £218, is starting to have more appeal now the country’s political problems have eased.”
Jago foresees clients taking a Middle East break between a week at a Cyprus beach resort and a week in the Troodos Mountains, creating a varied three-centre product.
“The breaks add a completely different dimension to a Cyprus holiday,” said Jago.
Sunvil Holidays offers Lebanon and Egypt as short-break add-ons to a Cyprus holiday. The operator introduced Lebanon breaks from Cyprus last year and was encouraged by the response.
Managing director Noel Josephides said: “Lebanon appeals to well educated people and though take-up hasn’t been dramatic, it has been high enough to show potential.”
Cyprair is working on a two-country programme, linking Cyprus with Dubai, Jordan and Egypt, said manager George Spyrou. “We are offering Dubai, Jordan and Egypt as tailor-made options, but need to iron out accommodation before we price them.”
When Cyprair appoints a new general manager to succeed Photis Lambrianides, development of the short-break programme will go ahead. This is expected to happen in the next two months.
Cyprair and Cyplon have both added the weekly two-night Lebanon mini-cruise operated by Louis Cruise Lines for this summer, with full-day excursions to Baalbek or Byblos.
The twice weekly two-night Louis mini-cruises to Egypt’s Port Said or Haifa in Israel are widely featured by Cyprus specialists; a separate three-night mini-cruise takes in both destinations.
The shore excursion from Port Said combines the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza.The Holy Land tour from Haifa visits Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s UK director Orestis Rossides said: “Multi-centre tourism will grow as flights from Cyprus to its neighbouring countries are short.
“Places like Baalbek in Lebanon have a lot to offer the short-break market out of Cyprus. Their success depends on the security factor.”
Short breaks from Cyprus
Amathus Holidays: two-night short break from Larnaca to Damascus, Syria. Includes flights by Syrian Arab Airlines, two nights’ full-board in a four-star hotel, visits to Seytnayia, Maaloula and a Damascus city tour, £216.
Cyplon Holidays:two-night mini-cruise on Louis Cruise Lines’ Princesa Cypria from Limassol to Beirut. In cabin accommodation, from £113-£244 per person; in aircraft-type seats £101. Tour of Beirut, Byblos and Jounieh included.
Cyprair Holidays: three-night mini-cruise on Louis Cruise Lines’ Princesa Marissa from Limassol to Haifa and Port Said, with excursions in Israel and Egypt. In cabin accommodation, from £149-£303.
Priceright Holidays: two-night mini-cruise on Paradise Cruises’ Atalante from Limassol to Haifa. In cabin accommodation, from £104-£245 per person. Includes tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Sunvil Holidays: three-night break from Larnaca to Lebanon, flying with Middle East Airlines and staying at the modern three-star Marble Tower in Beirut. Includes guided taxi transportation and excursions, £348.