Revenue from tourism increased by 142 million EUR during the period from January to July 2011, according to Statistical Service data released on Tuesday.
Presenting the figures at a press conference, Chairman of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) Alecos Orountiotis said the revenue from tourism in July 2011 increased by 18.8% compared to 18% in July 2010, adding that the total revenue from tourism in July 2011 was 274.4 million EUR compared to 231.1 million EUR in July, recording an increase of 43.3 million EUR.
Furthermore, revenue was up during the period from January to July 2011 by 17.5% compared to 12.6% during the same period last year, while the total revenue was 951.4 million EUR compared to 809.4 million EUR during the same period last year.
''This increase is very important. It shows that much good work has been done, along with good cooperation,'' he said, adding that ''fortunately the economies of our main markets, such as Russia, Germany and the Scandinavian countries, are moving in a positive direction.''
Orountiotis said that arrivals from Russia during the period January-July 2011 were up by 60%, with Germany up by 17%.
He added that, despite problems in Greece, the arrivals from Greece recorded an increase of 12.4%, while arrivals from the United Kingdom reversed the negative percentage and recorded an increase of 1.5%.
Orountiotis noted that income from tourism for the whole of 2011 was expected to reach 1.8 billion EUR compared to 1.5 billion EUR in 2010.
Referring to July 2011 data, he said there was an increase in arrivals of 17.3%, while for the period January-July 2011 there was an increase of 12.6%.
Regarding projections for the winter season, Orountiotis said that ''we are very optimistic,'' adding that ''we expect the next months to be very positive and we have founded indications that we will have increases for the next two months, September and October, as well, and also for the winter season.''
Replying to questions, Orountiotis said bookings were ''very good'' and pointed out ''cooperation with travel agents and airlines, which will increase their seats for Cyprus.''
