Paschalides: Prospects on tourist arrivals in Cyprus ''very optimistic''

The estimates on tourist arrivals in Cyprus this season are very optimistic, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides said on Thursday, adding that stakeholders must show complacency.

Paschalides' remarks came in the wake of the 43% increase in tourist arrivals in April 2011 compared with the corresponding period of 2010.

The projections of our Ministry are very optimistic but the stakeholders should not be complacent and should do their duty, Paschalides said in statements on the sidelines of the 3rd international conference on Renewable Energy.

Responding to questions, Paschalides referred to the development projects for the southern coastal city of Larnaca.

He spoke of 15 development projects including the city Marina, Piyale Pasha Street, the golf course in Tersafanou and other projects, which ''would push Larnaca forward.''

Noting that Larnaca will benefit from these projects as well as from tourism arrivals, Paschalides said that hoteliers, the Municipalities and the Community authorities should make sure that the necessary preparations will be made.

Responding to a question concerning the marina in the tourist resort of Ayia Napa, Paschalides said ''we are a breath away'' from the signing of the contracts adding that two legal issues are pending which could be resolved in the next few days.