22.07.2024
Cyprus has many year-round attractions that can be leveraged to attract tourists. In recent years, measures to extend the tourist season by at least four months have been actively discussed. The plan is to add two months before and two months after the current season (March, April, October, and November). However, no concrete plan has been proposed so far.
One possible solution is to subsidize hotels and tour operators with government funds to reduce the cost of vacations for tourists. In this case, Cypriot taxpayers would effectively be funding the activities of various tourism businesses, such as restaurants and taxis.
At present, Cyprus is benefiting from the challenging situations in other countries, but this effect may be temporary.
Extending the tourist season is also important for the real estate market, which is closely tied to the tourism industry.
To achieve this, it is necessary to compare Cyprus’s tourism offerings with competitors such as Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, which is gradually recovering. It is important to consider both travel costs and the standard of living in these countries.
Cyprus has several advantages, including a mild climate, though recent periods of extreme heat are a cause for concern. The widespread use of English and the European approach are also competitive advantages for Cyprus compared to Turkey and Egypt. Additionally, Cyprus is considered a relatively safe country.
However, it is essential to offer tourists engaging activities outside the summer season. Informational materials (brochures) should be developed and distributed in multiple languages, listing all possible types of active leisure in Cyprus. This package of offerings should be presented to tour operators and then supplemented with the necessary resources.
Possible options include various outdoor activities such as golf, rowing, sailing, skiing lessons, fishing competitions, and hotel competitions in beach volleyball, badminton, and tennis.
Nature trails in the mountainous regions are becoming increasingly popular and can be used for hiking, nature exploration, donkey rides, and more.
Additionally, the local cuisine offers opportunities for cooking workshops, similar to those held on the island of Samos during the winter season. Tourists are invited to prepare local dishes, such as moussaka and souvla, under the guidance of a chef, followed by a competition and prize-giving.
Another idea is a “cowboy trail” concept, where people can ride horses (or donkeys) and camp out in tents and cabins or simply visit a restaurant. There could also be tours of religious sites—churches and monasteries—organized with the help of local bishops.
The sea can be explored year-round through activities such as scuba diving. Artificial reefs have been created in the Larnaca and Paralimni areas for underwater exploration, and an underwater park is being built in Ayia Napa.
These new tourism directions may appeal to young professionals and the unemployed, who can receive subsidies from the government and the EU.
Agrotourism remains underdeveloped, despite the presence of many attractive sites.
A glamping project could harm the environment and is unlikely to be successful.
Local festivals (panigiria), held almost every week in villages, present an opportunity to promote local products, including pottery and food.
There are many opportunities to attract tourists of different ages. To implement these ideas, the Ministry of Tourism and private companies should develop a comprehensive plan with a precise calculation of the cost of events. Tour operators and promoters should be involved in the project.
Strict inspector control over prices in restaurants, taxis, and other areas is also necessary to prevent potential problems.
