You are here

Study aims for 6 million tourists

26/01/2017 09:57
Experts presented on Wednesday a ministerial committee with a study of a new growth model for tourism in Cyprus which projects an increase by 2030 of 82% in international tourist arrivals, of 185% in revenue, of 64% in the sector`s employment and of an increase in direct and indirect output of 185%.

“For the first time a comprehensive, thorough National Strategy has been drafted which presents qualitative and quantitative targets and sets forward a specific plan with proposed actions and time frames of reaching them and by which public and private actors between 2017 and 2030,” an official press release says.

“Among others, experts pointed out that Cyprus can become by 2030 a sustainable year-round tourist destination attracting over 4.8 million foreign tourists and over 6 million total, 40% of which during the period November – April,” it adds.

It is noted that the new growth model aims to attract tourists with more per capita expenditure and to create a significant added value for Cyprus, the local society, businesses, the environment and the economy.

Quantitative targets of the strategy if the proposed growth model is implemented see an increase by 2013 in international visitors by 82%, an increase in tourism revenue by 185%, an increase of employed personnel in the industry by 64%, and increase of 185% in direct and indirect output, attracting significant investments, the press release says.

Qualitative targets foresee for a comprehensive planning with mixed use resorts, an upgrade of existing tourist clusters with the provision of better services, improving the tourist`s product`s visual appeal, creating new products and rich experiences for tourists with an emphasis on the local heritage, culture and natural environment of the island.

According to the press release improving the regulatory framework and the governance system on the basis of international best practices is key to the implementation of the national strategy which is also in accordance with the government’s policy of establishing a Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

The experts proposals will be reviewed and within March Under Secretary to the President Constantinos Petrides is expected to submit to the Cabinet a proposed action plan for the implementation of a National Strategy on Tourism for the period 2017 – 2030.