“This can be achieved through offering better quality services and targeting government expenditures on improving safety, culture and infrastructure,” the analysis said.

According to the report, Cyprus, which boasts over 300 days of sunshine and crystal clear seas, needs to improve its competitiveness or run the risk of seeing the share of tourism arrivals and nights stays decreasing because of other more competitive tourism destinations.

In Cyprus’ case, the lower than average quality of services, as well as the low government expenditures on safety, culture and infrastructure contribute to the low position of the Cypriot economy in the ranking.

“Measures are needed so that the Cypriot tourism sector can improve its competitiveness and become an even bigger contributor to the economic growth of the country… Government support through regulation and formation of a tourism strategy placing emphasis on maintaining high levels of safety and security can contribute substantially to the competitiveness of the tourism sector,”

Despite the advantages enjoyed by Cyprus such as the attractive physical environment, this should not mean that the government rests on its laurels when it comes to its tourism offering.

The report stressed that there is definitely room for improvement in the Cypriot tourism sector, primarily through improvements in safety, culture and, to a smaller extent, in infrastructure and quality of services in comparison to other European countries.

Source: InCyprus