13/12/2007 11:38
CTO Chairman, Panos Egglezos, expressed his concerns on Thursday on the course of the tourist industry in 2008. Speaking before the Parliament within the framework of the CTO budget for 2008, Mr. Egglezos explained that Cyprus is inferior to other competitive countries and sounded the alarm. “In the sector of competitiveness, Cyprus is inferior to other Mediterranean destinations due to our geographical distance from countries-sources of tourism, which pushes the price of air fares up, our high standard of living and the price of products and services. All these make Cyprus one of the most expensive destinations in the Mediterranean”, he stressed.
Mr. Egglezos said that the attraction of tourists during winter is very difficult in 2008. “The hoteliers must support our tourist industry by not closing their units during winter. We hope that with the contribution of all partners we will achieve increased tourist arrivals and revenues this year”, he noted.
With regard to the adoption of the euro on 1/1/2008, Mr. Egglezos believes that it will contribute to the attraction of tourists since it is a currency used by 320 million citizens.
As for the rivalry with the occupied north, the CTO Chairman said that there are no negative impacts so far. “The occupied areas are a new competitor and we must find ways to stop tourist arrivals there”, he said.
The CTO budget provides for expenditure of £47.7 million compared to £43.2 million in 2007.
It is noted that the budget for 2007 was revised and its expenditure dropped to £42.2 million. The budget for 2008 will be financed by its own sources by £3.5 million and the allocation of a state aid of £43.2 million.
Mr. Egglezos said that the attraction of tourists during winter is very difficult in 2008. “The hoteliers must support our tourist industry by not closing their units during winter. We hope that with the contribution of all partners we will achieve increased tourist arrivals and revenues this year”, he noted.
With regard to the adoption of the euro on 1/1/2008, Mr. Egglezos believes that it will contribute to the attraction of tourists since it is a currency used by 320 million citizens.
As for the rivalry with the occupied north, the CTO Chairman said that there are no negative impacts so far. “The occupied areas are a new competitor and we must find ways to stop tourist arrivals there”, he said.
The CTO budget provides for expenditure of £47.7 million compared to £43.2 million in 2007.
It is noted that the budget for 2007 was revised and its expenditure dropped to £42.2 million. The budget for 2008 will be financed by its own sources by £3.5 million and the allocation of a state aid of £43.2 million.
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