Extending the tourist season

There is an endless amount of year-round attractions in Cyprus to be promoted

There has been a lot of talk of measures to be undertaken in an effort to lengthen the tourist season by at least four months, two on either side of the current season (March, April, October and November). The worrying thing is that over many years there has not been a single solid proposal.

The solution seems to be that the public subsidise hoteliers and tour operators, so that tourists get a lower cost holiday. In other words, Cyprus’ taxpayers contribute towards helping ‘cheaters’ – restaurants, taxi drivers and others – to make more money. 

So far, we are doing well due to the misfortune of other countries but how long will this last?

Lengthening the tourist season is important for the real estate market which goes hand in hand with the industry.

First of all, we need first to compare our product with our competitors, such as Greece, Turkey and gradually reviving Egypt. This might be examined first in terms of travel cost and their cost of living.

Giving Cyprus a competitive edge is the weather, which milder than our competitors, save the recent heatwaves which are worrying. Also in its favour is that the English language is widely spoken and the somewhat European attitude compared to Turkey and Egypt for example. It is also a relatively safe country.

But what are tourists meant to do outside the summertime?  Oranisation is required so that a brochure, in several languages, is put together with all the possible activities and disseminated across the internet and the press.  It is my opinion that, first, one prepares the package, presents it to tour operators and then supplements the package with whatever it is needed. 

The possibilities include outdoor activities. There could be golf, rowing, sailing, ski lessons, dragon racing, fishing competitions and so on.  Inter-hotel competitions in beach volley, badminton and tennis could be included. Local associations could assist with this.

Nature trails are becoming more and more popular, especially those in the mountain area.  The trails could be used for hiking, nature exploration with the ever-enthusiastic Forestry Department employees, donkey rides and more.

The local cuisine provides other possibilities. An innovative venue on Samos island is popular during the winter season. Tourists are taught how to make local dishes, such as moussaka and souvla for example, under the direction of a chef. Each tourist prepares their own dish and a prize is given out at the end.

Another idea is the equivalent of ‘cowboy trails’, for people to ride horses (or donkeys) and camp or stay in a cabin or even just visit a restaurant. Perhaps Kouris or Ezousa dry bed rivers could be used. I had one overnight stay during the summer in tents at Kourris with donkeys. It’s great fun, especially for corporate staff bonding.

There is also visiting religious sites.  Surprisingly enthusiastic bishops stand ready to facilitate excursions to historic churches and monasteries free of charge.

The sea can be explored all year round with scuba diving.

In the Larnaca and Paralimni areas boats have been sunk for the purpose of underwater exploration and there is an underwater park under construction in Ayia Napa.

These kinds of new businesses are suitable for young, especially unemployed, professionals and others who could be subsidised by the government and the EU. 

Agrotourism has not been exploited to a satisfactory degree, yet there are so many attractive establishments. 

Glamping will not work and will damage the environment.

There are village festivals (paniyiria) almost every week, where local rural producers sell their goods, ranging from pottery to food.

There are so many things to do for all ages. So, how do we go about it? 

First of all, the lead must be taken by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and others in private practice in putting together a comprehensive list of the attractions with accurate costs. Tour operators and promoters could be included in the project. 

Taxi drivers, restaurants, taverns and so on must come under strict control by inspectors regarding prices, since there is a lot of thieving going on. 

Do we have the resources to do this? Of course, we do, but do we have the will and morals to support this? Doubtful.

Antonis Loizou & Associates EPE – Real Estate Appraisers & Development Project Managers, www.aloizou.com.cy, antonis.loizou@aloizou.com.cy