Cyprus tourism sector will recover in 2011, CTO Chairman says

The problems and difficulties that affected Cyprus’ tourism industry in 2010, are expected to affect tourist arrivals in 2011 as well.

However, Chairman of the board of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), Alekos Orountiotis, expressed here today optimism regarding the recovery of tourism sector in 2011.

Cyprus managed to record an increase of 1.5% in tourist arrivals during 2010, followed by an increase of 4% in revenue from tourism by November 2010, despite global economic crisis and the eruption of the volcano in Iceland last April.

In 2011 CTO is planning to promote Cyprus abroad with a reduced budget by 19 million euro.

According to the Chairman of the CTO there is a potential to increase tourist arrivals during 2011 compared to last year’s arrivals.

As he said a number of airlines are planning to increase the number of their flights to Cyprus.

Meanwhile CTO has launched its new campaign, under the slogan ''Cyprus in your heart'', which attempts to put Cyprus on the international tourism map in 2011. Cyprus’ history and culture, friendliness and hospitality, modern and contemporary side and activities that one can enjoy by exploring the island, run through posters and short TV spots.