CYPRUS: Civil marriages generate 120 mln in earnings

Civil marriages in Cyprus, mainly from neighbouring and other European countries, are expected to generate some EUR 120 mln for the economy, according to Antigoni Kapodistria, a senior official at the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO).

 
Couples wishing to combine their wedding with holidays in Cyprus mainly come from the UK, Israel, Lebanon, Russia and other Russian-speaking countries.
This sector provides an important revenue for the local tourist industry, she added, as the island offers all necessary services related to the civil marriage ceremonies.
Income from wedding certificates alone amounts to 2.5 million euros a year, she said, explaining that the package for civil marriage includes the cost charged by municipalities, accommodation, food and parties. There is also the Association of Wedding Organisers, set up at the CTO initiative.
“Every year we have an average of 8,000 civil marriages from abroad, a number which is expected to rise this summer due to an increased tourist flow to Cyprus, bringing significant gains to our island,” she told CNA.
Relatives and friends who accompany the couple to be married in Cyprus number about 250,000 a year, a number expected to rise.
There are also couples who come to Cyprus to have a church wedding.