ARGO Holidays has criticised all-inclusive holidays despite introducing them in its Cyprus 2000 programme.
Managing director Mathilde Robert said the product was only added “under duress” following continued demand from customers.
“If you want to spend your entire holiday behind four walls of a hotel you may as well go to Blackpool,” she said.
“There are some lovely tavernas and bars in Cyprus so why not visit them?
“I simply do not see the point of all-inclusives and have only introduced them under duress. Customers have been asking for them and we have to give them what they want.”
The specialist operator has added all-inclusive hotels in Limassol, Paphos, Western Cyprus and Ayia Napa.
Demand for non-beach holidays has also prompted Argo to introduce renovated Cypriot houses to its programme.
The traditional Cypriot houses, which have been transformed into apartments, have been added in Tochni, Kalavasos and Pentakomo with prices starting from £349 for seven nights based on four sharing.
Two-centre holidays combining a week in the mountains and a week on the beach are also featured for the first time along with diving holidays, which are available in Limassol and Larnaca.
The expanded product follows an increase in capacity of 5,000 to 40,000.
Regional flying has been stepped up with flights to Larnaca and Paphos from Edinburgh. Discounts include savings for single parents and free car hire.