Concern expressed over reduction of tourist arrivals in Cyprus

Cyprus Tourist Organization (CTO) Chairman Alecos Orountiotis said here on Monday that the Icelandic volcanic ash which grounded flights across Europe have caused many problems as regards tourism in Cyprus.

Orountiotis said that the tourists affected so far, mainly from Britain, amount to 4,000-5,000.

He expressed concern not only because flights are being cancelled but also as regards what will happen in 20 days or a month if the situation continues as it is today.

He expressed hope that the repercussions from the current situation will be minimized within the next 10-20 days and expressed concern that the situation will be worse than that of 2009.

Orountiotis noted that the important thing is CTO to prepare for launching promotion campaigns as soon as the current situation is over.

Noting that tourist arrivals in April 2009 reached 10,000-15,000 people, he said there will certainly be a reduction of these numbers this month.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Cyprus Hotel Association Chairman Haris Loizides speaking during a press conference underlined the impact of the situation created due to the volcanic dust on Cyprus tourism, noting that they expect to have 50-60 thousand less tourist arrivals this month, as the cancellation continues.

Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises Chairman Akis Vavlides described the reduction of tourist arrivals as a very serious issue, noting that a short period of time will be needed so that the situation will turn back to normal. He also noted that the whole situation constitutes a big blow to Europe’s economy.

As it was also noted thousands of travelers remain stranded in Cyprus due to the cancellation of flights and that there are 6.5 million tourists stranded all over the world.