Minister of Commerce satisfied with tourist arrivals in Cyprus

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides, said he was satisfied with tourist arrivals to Cyprus.

Addressing the Annual General Assembly of the Cyprus Hotel Managers’ Association (PASYDIXE), the Minister said that despite the world economic crisis, the closure of the Eurocypria air company, the strikes in Greece and the problems in aviation caused in April by the eruption of the volcano in Iceland, tourist arrivals to Cyprus, so far, are satisfactory.

He noted though that the government remains vigilant and will focus on upgrading the quality of Cyprus tourism.

The Minister added that the government's new tourism strategy for 2011 – 2015, aims at upgrading the quality offered with the ultimate goal to turn the island into a special tourism destination.

''I urge you therefore to emphasise on the factor of quality so that we can win the battle against the world economic crisis and competition'', he said, addressing the PASYDIXE members.

Moreover, Paschalides said that the Cyprus Tourism Organisation's (CTO) action plan aims at reviving winter tourism.

He also referred to the CTO package programs entitled ''Cyprus – Small Excursions, Great Experiences'' saying that this program has been running successfully for the third consequent year.