The once sleepy fishing village of Ayia Napa metamorphosed into the best known – some might say infamous – sun-and-fun spot in Cyprus.
Situated on the island’s south-eastern tip, 25 miles from Larnaca airport, it was dubbed the new Ibiza a decade ago. Family bookings slumped by 23% as party animals took over the resort, and its reputation became tarnished by tabloid tales of English footballers’ sex romps and the drunken antics of young visitors.
Zero tolerance
But a zero tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour enforced by the police has made the tide turn again. Ayia Napa has revamped its image and broadened its appeal, attracting its original family market, plus wedding and honeymoon couples and mature travellers who want to combine sun and sightseeing. This in turn has been reflected in the number of new products on offer.
“The area of Ayia Napa has the biggest percentage of return guests of all Cyprus,” says Lakis Avraamides, director of Agia Napa-Protaras Regional Tourism Board, which looks after Ayia Napa and its adjacent resort on the opposite side of the cape.
“In the summer it receives over 42% of the visitors coming to Cyprus. Very soon it will offer more reasons to visit, with plans for an international 18-hole golf course and marina for 600 boats.
Hotel range
“From two to five-star hotels, hotel apartments, village-style properties and villas, the area can accommodate all kinds of visitors. Recently, most hotels have been refurbished and some have turned into boutique hotels, giving a new era and image to accommodation in the region.”
One such hotel is the Napa Mermaid, aimed at couples and offered in Thomson’s Chic & Unique range. Fully rebuilt in 2007, and with a health club, gym and tennis courts, it occupies a quiet spot but is only a short walk from the town centre.
Focusing on the family market, the Atlantica Club Sungarden Beach hotel will become one of Thomson’s new Family Resort properties in 2011.
Planet Holidays has upped its programme at both ends of the budget range. Managing director Mathilde Robert says: “Despite its blip a decade ago Ayia Napa continues to attract many holidaymakers looking for white sandy beaches and azure sea.
Family options
“The top-end hotels we feature do well and we have introduced properties, including the four-star So Nice Boutique Suites and three-star Nissi Park, as well as hotel apartments such as Kermia Beach Bungalows and Euronapa Hotel Apartments. These less expensive options complement our wedding programme and are ideal for friends and guests of the couple.”
Olympic Holidays, which has introduced the self-catering Tsokkos Paradise Village, reports an increase in family bookings.
“Ayia Napa has changed for the better and modified its image to suit a wider market,” says commercial director Photis Lambrianides.
“It now appeals more strongly than ever to the family market, especially young families who want somewhere lively but without having large crowds of young people in and around their hotel.
“Families can pick their location away from the centre in one of many excellent hotels, such as the family-friendly five-star Adams Beach Hotel and the Macronissos Village Club, packed with activities and aimed squarely at the family market with all-inclusive and self-catering options.”
Gemma Carroll, Cyprus product manager for Cosmos, says: “Ayia Napa isn’t all just about fantastic nightlife. Nissi Beach is one of the most attractive in Cyprus and Ayia Napa offers terrific watersports.”
Myth-busting
Cosmos sales have increased year-on-year at the all-inclusive family-orientated Panas and Thalassaki holiday villages and Carroll says this shows the resort is no longer the preserve of younger visitors.
Also taking up the cause is Cyplon’s managing director Harry Hajipapas who says: “We consider this area has the potential to become one of the best-selling on the island, predominantly for families. This may surprise many who regard Ayia Napa as a clubbing resort, but in the past decade the region has worked particularly hard to dispel this myth.”
Hajipapas recommends the five-star Grecian Bay Hotel with its private beach for middle-aged clients seeking peaceful surroundings. “We are endeavouring to spread the word that Ayia Napa is a tranquil place to visit with an excellent choice of four and five-star hotels and apartments.”
Agents willing to see the resort in a new light include David Sutcliffe, partner at Harrogate’s Traveltalk. He says: “Ayia Napa has had an unfortunate reputation. However, we now look more favourably on it as a destination for families.”
Sample product
Thomson offers seven nights’ B&B at the Hotel Napa Mermaid from £590 for summer 2010 departures, including Thomson Airways flights from Gatwick and transfers. thomson.co.uk, 0844 871 0877
Olympic Holidays offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star Anmaria Hotel for a family of two adults and one child sharing for £1,883. The price is for departures in August and includes return flights with Monarch from Gatwick and transfers. olympicholidays.com, 0844 499 4449
Cyplon has seven nights’ B&B at the five-star Adams Beach Hotel for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a family room for £2,450 this summer. The price includes Thomson Airways flights from Gatwick and private transfers. cyplon.co.uk, 0800 074 8888
