CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION REVEALS LATEST VISITOR STATS AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2017

• 1.25 million UK tourists to visit Cyprus by the end of 2017
• Forward bookings for winter and summer seasons up due to increased flight capacity

Addressing Cypriot media during a press conference at World Travel Market (WTM), the Cyprus Tourism Organisation announced it expects a total of 1.25 million UK visitors by the end of 2017; a seven per cent increase compared to 2016.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation revealed visitors for the 2017/2018 winter period will increase by 21 per cent as flight capacity to the island increases. The country is expected to outperform rivals Malta, Spain and Portugal when it comes to forward bookings with numbers for summer 2018 up 18 per cent.

Cypriot media who attended the press conference were also treated to presentations about new product offerings and exciting new infrastructure developments in Cyprus, such as the landmark Ayia Napa Marina complex and the largest casino in Europe, which is opening in Limassol.

Led by the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr Yiorgos Lakkotrypis and the Chairman Mr Angelos Loizou, The Cyprus Tourism Organisation enjoyed another successful year exhibiting at WTM. Across the three days, other events including a cocktail reception and key partnership meetings were organised to further promote Cyprus' tourism product:

Cementing key relationships

In a prominent position in the Europe section of the exhibition, the Cyprus stand was a hive of activity across all three days. Meetings took place with top travel tour operators, airlines and holiday companies, in the presence of the Minister, Mr Yiorgos Lakkotrypis; Chairman, Mr Angelos Loizou; the CTO Acting Director General, Mr Marinos Menelaou; Mrs Marina Mylona and CTO UK Director, Mr Orestis Rossides.

Journalist briefings were also carried out at the Cyprus stand with PR representatives meeting with national travel journalists and influential bloggers during the event

Cocktail reception – Monday 6 November

Hosted in the grandeur of the Cyprus High Commission on St James's Square, more than 90 people attended the Cyprus Tourism Organisation's cocktail reception. Among the attendees were representatives from key tour operators, travel agents and trade media publications. Guests were treated to traditional Cypriot canapés and wine along with speeches from the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr Yiorgos Lakkotrypis and the Chairman Mr Angelos Loizou.

Farewell to Mr Orestis Rossides, UK Director

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation took the opportunity to say a heartfelt public farewell to long-standing employee, Mr Orestis Rossides, UK Director. Mr Rossides has worked tirelessly to promote Cyprus to the UK market for the past 30 years. Mr Rossides was presented with a gift and shared a few fond memories of his career working for the CTO in London.

For more information, go to www.visitcyprus.com, www.facebook.com/visitcyprus.uk or www.twitter.com/visitcyprus

-Ends-

For further press information, please contact:

Melissa Hobson/Emma Arthurs/James Brooke.

Rooster PR

T: +44 (0)20 3440 8927                                                                           

E: Cyprus@rooster.co.uk

www.rooster.co.uk

About the Cyprus Tourism Organisation:

Cyprus – the third largest island in the Mediterranean – attracts over two million tourists annually. Cyprus is a year-round island appealing to a wide range of personal tastes and lifestyles, from families and couples, to the most discerning of culture and nature-oriented travellers

Tourists are attracted by the island's legendary hospitality, glorious coastline and stunning mountain villages. There is something to suit everyone – family resorts, world class spas, golf courses, marinas, agro-tourism and food and wine trails. The active can enjoy the warm waters of Cyprus for diving and waterskiing while adventure seekers can explore the island's beauty with trekking or bird-watching tours, while golfing enthusiasts play on award winning courses

The island boasts the cleanest bathing waters in Europe, with 64 Blue Flags, combined with a rich cultural heritage, a variety of agro-tourism projects and a wide choice of special interest activities

For more information: www.visitcyprus.com