Last year marked a spike in Cyprus tourist arrivals, which hit a 14-year high, reaching 2.65 million, a 8.9 per cent rise since the previous year.
This was down to a surge in British visitors attracted by the cheaper euro, but also due to Cyprus’ reputation as a safe destination, facing significantly lower terrorist threats, compared to its neighbouring countries. According to the Cyprus Tourism organisation, the arrival figures were the best since a record 2.69 tourists in 2001.
More than 78,000 people arrived in December 2015, compared with 57,000 in the same month of 2014.
A large part of this rise is attributed to arrivals from Britain, which spiked 19 per cent, due in large part to the strength of the British pound against the euro. To cater for this surge of British tourists, more direct flights were scheduled and a closer cooperation among industry agents in both countries has taken place.
There was also a 43 per cent hike from Israel and 38 per cent from Greece, although arrivals from Russia, which has been a strong supporter of the Cyprus tourism industry in the past, dropped by 17 per cent.
Income from tourism accounts for around 12 per cent of Cypriot GDP and has been a key factor contributing to the economy exiting recession in 2015.
