SPEAKS OF THE EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE SECTOR AND COMMENDS ALL STAKEHOLDERS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2015.

Having acquired an even more crucial role in recent years, the tourism sector is one of the major drivers of growth for the country, especially towards the relaunch of the national economy. Hence, it is, for the government, a sector of priority, which remains the focus of our attention.

We believe that the tourism sector has a remarkable performance, which should be taken into account when calculating the positive indications expected for the whole economy this year. With the coordinated action of all parties concerned, we achieved a significant 8.2 percent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals in November 2015.

In fact, positive indications for December 2015 arrivals essentially confirm a positive close to 2015, with an overall growth rate of around 8.5 percent for the year.

Furthermore, in terms of revenue, performance in 2015 was also satisfactory, despite a significant decline in arrivals from Russia during the period. […]

Indeed, keeping in mind various events at the international level, such as the closure of Russian airline, Transaero, the decline in the exchange rate of the Rouble against the Euro and the increasing instability in the region, 2015 is amongst our strongest tourist seasons, with figures approaching those of 2001 – the year used as a reference point for tourism in our country.

What is of essence is that the positive trend recorded in the sector is expected to continue [this year], an assessment confirmed during the recent meetings we had at the World Travel Market in London.

Based on various indications we receive, the aim and challenge of the government is to regain lost ground with high numbers in arrivals and tourism revenues. But to succeed, the contribution of all stakeholders is necessary.

Despite the satisfactory results, the government continues to undertake actions and promote major infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading the quality of the tourism product and, consequently, increase the number of tourists.

The first relates to the processing of short-term proposals which, inter alia, include the creation of various specialised experiences such as culinary, archaeological, religious and sport.

The second action has to do with the modernisation of the regulatory framework governing tourism in order to facilitate licensing and operation of tourism enterprises. The study is expected to be completed soon.

The third step is the application of a plan to provide grants for the enrichment and modernisation of our tourism product by Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), in order to extend the tourist season.

For the formation of the EUR14 million plan, CTO is currently in a consultation process […]. It is expected to be launched in the first months of the year and is will help drive investments in the tourism industry to around EUR50 million.

The fourth activity has to do with our efforts to improve air connectivity in Cyprus with as many countries as possible, especially with those that hold potential for attracting tourists.

The fifth initiative includes actions to simplify visa processes in Cyprus for citizens of countries internationally considered as tourists exporters.

An example of such a country is China, and the government has, therefore, proceeded with the creation of five authorised application centres for granting entry visas to Chinese travellers with the goal to set up another 10 similar centres in the Asian country at a later stage.

Finally, we are also promoting new infrastructure projects which will make Cyprus more attractive as a destination.

These include new golf developments, additional marinas and the promotion and implementation of the integrated casino resort which will greatly help us differentiate Cyprus from what is available today in the rest of Europe.

Along with the above, there is a study in progress at the ministry pertaining the development of a new long-term national strategy for tourism which aims to make Cyprus a stronger international competitor.

Among other things, our key priority is to create a modern tourism product based on the competitive advantages of our country, and to find new markets, upgrade the quality of our tourist services, improve infrastructure, targeted and competitive development of existing forms of tourism and the lengthening of the tourism season.