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Star hotels gaining ground

22/09/2015 10:25
Star hotels are gaining ground in tourist accommodation, against organized tourist villages and apartments.

According to data of the Statistical Service processed by StockWatch, the percentage of tourists who choose star hotels has increased in recent years.

In contrast, a decrease is noted in the proportion of tourists staying at organized apartments and tourist villages.

The percentage of tourists who chose star hotels for their stay reached 59.3% in the first six months of 2015 compared to 54.3% in the six months of 2014.

In a decade hotels managed to win the bet of hosting tourists since in 2005 only 46.8% of tourists stayed at hotels.

Fears expressed back then for a gradual loss of stays at hotels in favor of tourist villages and private houses have not been verified.

According to the president of the association of travel agents, Dinos Kakkouras the comprehensive services offered by hotels contribute positively.

A large number of tourists, he added, opt for star hotels located on beaches.

According to the president of ACTA, «among other measures to enhance the tourist product of Cyprus is upgrading hotels in order to maintain and upgrade the tourist product of the country."

As regards the percentage of tourists who choose to stay at organized apartments and tourist villages it fell to 15.1% in the first six months of 2015 from 17.7% in the six months of 2014.

In 2014 it reached 18.8% and in 2005 it stood at 23.1%.

12.4% of tourists stayed at relatives’ or friends’ homes compared to 12.8% in the six months of 2014 while 5.2% stayed at private houses from 6.4% last year.

Paphos first in preference

As regards cities preferred by tourists, Paphos and Polis come first with 41.2%, a rate significantly higher than a decade ago.

Ayia Napa follows with 16.2% as in 2005. Limassol seems to be losing ground compared to previous years as it is preferred by 11.2% of tourists. Paralimni with 10.9% shows a steady decline from 2010 while Larnaca remains at the same levels with 10 ,6%.

Nicosia is selected only by 7% of tourists, however this percentage is steadily rising.

According to Mr. Kakkouras, Paphos and Famagusta have the largest number of available beds.