Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Karousos said, “In a tough tourist year, as of July 15, 2015 a prominent United Kingdom tour operator is increasing flights to the Famagusta district by two per week as a start”.

“This is a very positive development, which is estimated to increase tourism revenue by approximately €6 million,” he said. He added that this is but one example from one tour operator. “We believe there will be an increase in reservations from other agents as well,” Karousos said.

“This trend is owed to the latest geopolitical developments and events in various countries of the Arab Gulf and the Middle East, which triggered increased demand in stable and safe tourist resorts like Ayia Napa.”

Asked to comment on Cyprus’ dependence on political developments in the region, Karousos said it was a safe tourist destination, but “unfortunately our success often depends on geopolitical developments in neighbouring and competitive destinations”.

“This is why it is important to keep strengthening the feeling of safety for our visitors, while offering them higher-quality tourist product and the commensurate tourist experience,” he argued. It is important, he said, to create the required infrastructure and projects in order to attract repeat visitors.

Karousos said that during his upcoming visit to the Famagusta District, he expects President Nicos Anastasiades to acknowledge and seriously consider Ayia Napa’s prospects, the “flagship of Cypriottourism”, and announce the required projects to support tourism in the area, so that “strong foundations can be laid for our tourist product, and our success can depend on us alone, not others”.

Source: Cyprus Mail