Tourism in Cyprus
Encyclopedia
Tourism occupies a dominant position in the economy of Cyprus
.
With over 2 million tourist arrivals per year, it is the 40th most popular destination in the world. However, per capita of local population it ranks 6th.
Cyprus became a full member of the UNWTO when the organisation was created in 1975.
According to the World Economic Forum
's 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, Cyprus' tourism industry ranks 24th in the world in terms of overall competitiveness. In terms of Tourism Infrastructure, in relation to the tourism industry) Cyprus ranks 1st in the world.
. 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.
Tourists arrivals by country (2009):
With some of the most popular beaches in Europe , much of the tourist industry relies on "sea sun and sand" to attract tourists. This reflects in the seasonal distribution of tourist arrivals with a disproportionate number arriving during the summer months. Whereas most eastern resorts like Protaras and Ayia Napa
lie dormant in the winter months the west of the island remains open to tourism with the promotion of Cypriot history culture, art and specialized sports such as golf and tennis has a wider distribution.
Economy of Cyprus
Economic affairs in Cyprus are dominated by the division of the country into the southern area, controlled by the internationally recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus, and Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus....
.
- 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).
With over 2 million tourist arrivals per year, it is the 40th most popular destination in the world. However, per capita of local population it ranks 6th.
Cyprus became a full member of the UNWTO when the organisation was created in 1975.
According to the World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-profit foundation, based in Cologny, Geneva, best known for its annual meeting in Davos, a mountain resort in Graubünden, in the eastern Alps region of Switzerland....
's 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, Cyprus' tourism industry ranks 24th in the world in terms of overall competitiveness. In terms of Tourism Infrastructure, in relation to the tourism industry) Cyprus ranks 1st in the world.
Tourist arrivals
Total arrivals
Figures of total arrivals:| 1973 | 1974 | 1980 | 1990 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 264,066 | 47,085 | 353,375 | 1,561,479 | 2,303,200 | 2,349,000 | 2,470,100 | 2,400,924 | 2,416,081 | 2,403,750 | 2,141,193 | 2,172,998 |
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 DhekeliaAkrotiri and Dhekelia
The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are two British-administered areas comprising a British Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus administered as Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom...
. The downturn in the British economy in the late 2000s
Late 2000s recession
The late-2000s recession, sometimes referred to as the Great Recession or Lesser Depression or Long Recession, is a severe ongoing global economic problem that began in December 2007 and took a particularly sharp downward turn in September 2008. The Great Recession has affected the entire world...
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.
Tourists arrivals by country (2009):
| Country | arrivals | % of total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Britain | 1,069,190 | 49.93% |
| 2 | Russia | 148,734 | 6.95% |
| 3 | Greece | 131,871 | 6.16% |
| 4 | Germany | 131,158 | 6.13% |
| 5 | Sweden | 108,247 | 5.06% |
Distribution
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is a resort at the far eastern end of the southern coast of Cyprus, famous for its sandy beaches. In recent years, apart from being a family holiday destination, it has become a 'party capital' together with Ibiza, Rimini and Mykonos...
lie dormant in the winter months the west of the island remains open to tourism with the promotion of Cypriot history culture, art and specialized sports such as golf and tennis has a wider distribution.