Cyprus set for tourism makeover?

Cyprus needs to upgrade its tourism infrastructure, argues one expert…

According to Akis Kelepeshis, president of the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), The Cypriot tourism industry could soon benefit from a greater range of major attractions. At a meeting of ACTA’s members, Mr Kelepeshis said he was ‘happy’ with the progress the industry had made this year’ but indicated that there were still improvements and further options to be explored.

Mr Kelepeshis explained: “2008 will be an important year for tourism in Cyprus because cooperation between trade associations and government bodies is starting to produce results. One area this is apparent is the progress made in increasing visitor numbers during the winter months - a fact that could help owners of investment property in Cyprus achieve improved occupancy rates and higher rental income.

"However, there is still plenty of work for the industry to do, notably completing attractions such as golf courses, marinas and a casino.  We must enrich the tourist product and complete the big tourist infrastructure projects”.