Cyprus Hoteliers offer cheap packages to boost domestic tourism

The Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE) presented on Wednesday its new summer catalogue for domestic tourism.

Speaking during a press conference, PASYXE President Haris Loizides said that “this year, due to the international economic crisis and its effects which are already being felt by the tourist industry, encouraging domestic tourism has become even more important – not just for hoteliers, but for the whole Cypriot economy.”

He noted that the Cyprus government has already taken a series of measures to boost tourism and has recently decided to abolish overnight fees for the local government authorities, reduce aircraft landing fees and VAT from 8% to 5% and also to implement a programme to boost domestic tourism.

Loizides said that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, PASYXE has assumed the responsibility to organise training personnel programs, in an effort to maintain the levels of employment in the tourist industry.

He noted that based on current bookings made with PASYXE members and indications of 4 to 5 per cent less air capacity given by Russian carriers to Larnaca and Paphos airports, “the picture is worrying.”

PASYXE Director General Zacharias Ioannides added that this picture could change if the government immediately implements its plans to facilitate visas for Russian tourists.

Special prices are being offered to Cypriots and permanent residents by a record 120 PASYXE members, covering all types of accommodation across the island – from 1-star to 5-star, plus all three grades of hotel apartments. Loizides emphasised the fact that this year’s offers are cheaper than the equivalent offers last year.

The offers run from 1 April to 30 October, starting from as little as 27 euro per night per couple for a studio and from 30 euro per night for a double room in a hotel.