Tourism occupies a dominant position in the economy of Cyprus.[1]
- In 2006 it was expected to contribute 10.7% of GDP.
- in real terms it generated CYP£2,598.2 mn (US$5,445.0 mn) (annual-2006).
- total employment was estimated at 113,000 jobs (29.7% of total employment = 1 in every 3.4 jobs).
Cyprus became a full member of the UNWTO when the organisation was created in 1975.[2]
According to the World Economic Forum's 2007 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, Cyprus' tourism industry ranks 20th in the world in terms of overall competitiveness. In terms of Human, Cultural and Natural Resources (in relation to the tourism industry) Cyprus ranks 3rd in the world.[3]
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Tourist arrivals
Total arrivals
Figures of total arrivals: [4]
| 1973 | 1974 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 264,066 | 47,085[5] | 2,303,200 | 2,349,000 | 2,470,100 | 2,400,924[6] |
Arrivals by country
Northern Europe represents the lion's share of tourist arrivals. Over 50% of visitors come from Great Britain a traditional source of tourism for the island. Several factors contribute to this, including widely spoken English, the traditional links from British colonialism and the presence of British military bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The downturn in the British economy in the late 2000s was reflected in a drop in tourist arrivals highlighting the overreliance of Cyprus' tourist industry on one customer. In 2009 efforts were underway to boost arrivals from other countries. [7]
Tourists arrivals by country (2006):[8]
| Country | arrivals | % of total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Britain | 1,360,136 | 56.7% |
| 2 | Germany | 152,808 | 6.4% |
| 3 | Greece | 126,768 | 5.3% |
| 4 | Russia | 114,763 | 4.8% |
| 5 | Sweden | 94,028 | 3.9% |
Distribution
Much of the tourist industry relies on the clean beaches to attract foreign tourists.[9] This reflects in the seasonal distribution of tourist arrivals with a disproportionate number arriving during the summer months. Recently Cyprus has provided incentives for the development of winter and all year round tourism such as in the form of nature, golf and activity holidays. Marinas and casinos are being considered to add to the tourist attractions of the island.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO)
The CTO has a status of a semi-governmental organisation charged with overseeing the industry practices and promoting the island as a tourism destination abroad. In 2007 the CTO spent a reported €20 million on promotion.[10]
References
- ^ "Cyprus Travel & Tourism - Climbing to new hights." (PDF). Accenture. World Travel and Tourism Council. 2006. http://www.wttc.org/2006TSA/pdf/Cyprus.pdf. Retrieved on 2007-03-02.
- ^ "UNWTO member states". World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). http://www.unwto.org/states/eng.html. Retrieved on 2007-03-02.
- ^ "Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index". World Economic Forum. 2007. http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/gcp/TravelandTourismReport/index.htm. Retrieved on 2007-03-02.
- ^ "Comparative indicators 2007" (.xls). Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus. 2007. http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/590548538F11309FC2256D400047C22A/$file/COMPARATIVE-INDICATORS-TABLE2-EN-240107.xls?OpenElement. Retrieved on 2007-03-02.
- ^ "Information on the Tourist Industry". Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Washington. http://www.cyprusembassy.net/home/index.php?module=page&pid=10. Retrieved on 2009-03-23.
- ^ Leonidou, Leo (2007-03-23). "The Brits have bigger numbers but the Russians have bigger wallets". Cyprus Mail. http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=31415&archive=1. Retrieved on 2007-03-28.
- ^ "Cyprus taps new markets amid decline in tourist arrivals". Xinhua. March 23, 2009. http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/90858/90865/6619445.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-23.
- ^ "Tourist Statisctics 2006" (PDF). Page 60. Republic of Cyprus, Ministry of Finance, Statistical Service. http://www.pio.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/D599DC7B5C021807C225710D0036848F/$file/TOURIST_STATISTICS-2006.pdf?OpenElement. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
- ^ Habegger, Larry (2007-06-10). "World Watch - European Clean Beaches". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-0610worldwatchjun10,0,5446426.story?track=rss. Retrieved on 2007-06-11.
- ^ "Cyprus to spend a mere EUR 20 mln to promote tourism in 2008". Financial Mirror. 2007-08-17. http://www.financialmirror.com/more_news.php?id=7967&nt=Business. Retrieved on 2007-08-19.
External links
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