Cyprus Holidays Still Down
Last year holidays in Cyprus were off the agenda for many as the recession stopped many people taking an overseas holiday.
And it was disappointing news for the hotels and Cyprus tourist related businesses that developed over the years to make holidays in Cyprus so popular, and with many businesses assuming continued popularity it meant some attractions and hotels having to lay people off.
Official figures show that Cyprus started last off as it was set to continue in 2009 - poorly. A 7 per cent drop in tourist arrivals compared to the previous January. This year has seen the island recover about half of last year's fall.
The biggest drop in holidaymakers was from the traditionally good source of the UK - down over 8 per cent, reflecting the anxiety in the UK over their economy and the reluctance of many consumers to buy big ticket items like cars and holidays just after Christmas at a time of economic uncertainty.
But Cyprus will remain one of the most popular holiday destinations for British holidaymakers in the coming year, unless the Euro strengthens even further against the pound over the summer months and stops people booking last minute Cyprus holidays, and go outside the Eurozone or maybe even take a holiday at home.
But what will new visitors to Cyprus find when they arrive, apart of course from the superb Cyprus weather?
Cyprus has long been known as an excellent destination for holidaymakers. Her golf courses are renowned in Europe as first class, and its beaches are too for those who prefer their holidays in Cyprus to be more beach based than sport.
Cyprus is currently home to three golf courses, with plans to create some more. The Aphrodite Hills Golf Club is a short drive from the Paphos-Limassol motorway and overlooks the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. The Secret Valley Golf Club is also located near the birthplace of Aphrodite, Petra tou Romiou. The valley's beautifully landscaped gardens help bring out the beauty of the natural rock formations. The Tsada Golf Club is on the grounds of a magnificent 12th century monastery near Tsada village.
For the young tourist, Ayia Napa with its famous club scene is a magnet. About a mile east of Ayia Napa, Konnos Bay and Cape Greco await those who want a little quieter environment. The sunsets are breathtaking, and the water is astonishingly clear. You won't need snorkeling equipment to see some fascinating sea life, especially the starfish that abound. Cape Greco is has many sea caves. Any one of the many boat tours are worth the trip for a close up experience. If water sports are your thing, you'll find them all at Konnos Bay and Cape Greco. You can also rent a speedboat to do your own sightseeing. For the more adventurous, jet skis are also available.
For those who want to see some of traditional Cyprus, the hiking trails winding through the rugged terrain are worth the trip. The rural areas that tour guides generally do not put on their schedule brings visitors in touch with traditional Cypriot life in remote villages along the way. Cyprus, since its earliest history, has been inhabited by Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Venetians, Ottomans and Brits. Each of them imparted cultural values that remain a part of the island today. Cultural artifacts from these civilizations can be found throughout the island. Castles and abbey ruins among other things are found particularly in the north. It is this diversity that fascinates tourists and makes Cyprus such an attractive destination, along with the Cyprus weather.
But whatever the reason for visiting Cyprus, with less people visiting, the hotels and tourist attractions will be giving an even warmer welcome than in the past.
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