GCC Travel Trade Heavyweights Predict Surge In Cyprus Visits
Ten leading GCC-based travel agents have concluded a four-day familiarisation trip to Cyprus – with several of the industry heavyweights predicting the idyllic Mediterranean island has “all the ingredients” to be a long-term hit with regional travellers.
Designed to support the Deputy Ministry of Tourism of Cyprus’ strategic objective to swell inbound tourism from the GCC, the familiarisation trip saw travel agents from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jeddah and Kuwait City descend on Cyprus.
“Cyprus has all the ingredients to attract increased visitor numbers of local and expatriate travellers from the GCC in coming years,” said Ibrahim Arnaout, Department Head at Mawasim Tourism & Holidays, Abu Dhabi. “With access to abundant and diverse historical sites already in place, the island has significantly enhanced its general infrastructure and leisure product portfolio in recent years. Ongoing moves to expand the growing Halal tourism sector, including all related facilities, will also bear fruit in coming years.”
The 10-strong travel trade delegation included representatives from Akbar Travel, Al Faris Jeddah, Al Ghanim Travel Kuwait, Al Mulla Travel, Al Rais, Al Rostamani Travel, Barakat Travel Kuwait, Dadabhai Jeddah, Jumbo Travel, Mawassim Travel, Sharaf Travel, and Travel Club Travel & Tourism.
“The response from our Gulf travel partners underlines the expansive and progressive being undertaken by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to expand the island’s appealing to a wide cross-section of traveller groups based in the Gulf,” said Christos Demetriou, Regional Office Director – GCC & Middle East, Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Cyprus, which is responsible for organising and promoting tourism within the Republic of Cyprus.
The four-day itinerary kicked off in the coastal city of Larnaka with a tour of the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque and its nearby salt lakes, which attract thousands of flamingos every year. The group also explored the archaeological remains of Kourion, the most impressive ancient ruins on the island. Decades of excavations have unearthed many significant finds at Kourion, all of which can be viewed in a special on-site museum.
The following day saw the group explore Pafos, Limanaki Harbour, the birthplace of Aphrodite – Petra tou Romiou, Limassol Castle and the city’s all-new marina. The second half of the trip took agents into the Troodos Mountains to explore the traditional village of Lefkara, known for its lace and silverwork. The capital of Nicosia and the city’s Venetian Walls were a key stop on the tour, as was the famed coastal city of Ayia Napa.
Representatives from Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Tourism and its gathered stakeholders will be available to share updates and future plans at stand EU5640 during Arabian Travel Market 2019, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre between 28 April – 1 May.
