Cypriot tourists flock to Istanbul

A record number of up to 3000 Cypriots are expected to travel to Istanbul, making the city as the fastest growing destination for Cypriot tourists, according to Akis Kelepeshis, the Chairman of the Association of Cypriot Travel Agents.

The launch of new organised excursions to Istanbul and very reasonable fares combined with the eagerness by Cypriots to see the Ayia Sophia Church, now turned into a Mosque are believed to be the key reason why the number of travelers has tripled in 2005 compared to only 1000 visits in 2004.

Travel agents across Cyprus are now offering week-long package deals to Istanbul, and have also begun including the city in their holiday brochures. Kelepeshis also mentioned that the cost of such packages ranges CYP 400 per person.