Sun Shines For Cyprus As Rise In GCC Visitors Fuels Soaring Tourism Numbers For Idyllic Island Destination

The idyllic Mediterranean island of Cyprus continues to strengthen its position as a holiday hotspot with tourism numbers soaring in the first quarter of 2018, following a record-breaking 12 months in 2017.Favoured by holidaymakers and business travellers from the GCC due to its proximity, climate and all it has to offer, Cyprus reported double-digit growth in arrivals in 2017. The impressive growth continued through the first three months of this year, with visitor numbers up 29.3 per cent compared with the same period in 2017, according new data released by the Statistical Service of the Cyprus Ministry of Finance. Arrivals from the GCC (excluding Oman) registered an overall 9.68 per cent increase during the same period, with Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates leading the growth, reporting 35.7 per cent and 14.2 per cent increases respectively.

The impressive figures highlight the island’s appeal to all traveller segments, say Cyprus Tourism officials, and bode well for Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) participation in Arabian Travel Market 2018, which runs from today until Wednesday, April 25 at Dubai World Trade Centre

“Cyprus truly is a year-round destination and through a carefully considered strategic push over the past 12 months, we have been successful in positioning the island for both leisure and corporate travellers looking to explore all that Cyprus has to offer,” said Marinos Menelaou, Acting Director General at Cyprus Tourism Organisation, which is responsible for organising and promoting tourism within the Republic of Cyprus.“The GCC and wider Middle East represents a key market for Cyprus’ tourism industry and speaking to our partners prior to Arabian Travel Market, the majority expect business from the region to grow by 15-20 per cent this year.”

The Cyprus pavilion at Arabian Travel Market will showcase the island’s key landmarks and tourism destinations, such as the popular Troodos Mountains and picture-perfect coastline and beaches.Leading the Cyprus hospitality charge at Arabian Travel Market, Four Seasons Hotel, Amathus Beach Hotel, and GrandResort Hotel Limassol, will each highlight their family-friendly proposition and recent renovation projects, with the aim of attracting a greater number of visitors from the GCC.