Tourist arrivals from Russia have marked an increase of 31% in the first two months of 2009, compared to the corresponding period last year, according to official data, which Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Antonis Pashalides presented at a press conference in Moscow.
In 2008, Cyprus welcomed 182.000 tourists from Russia compared to 145.000 in 2007, an increase of around 24%.
Despite the satisfaction, said Pashalides, the government’s aim is to attract larger numbers of Russian tourists to Cyprus, something that could have happened earlier if the international economic crisis did not ensue.
The Minister said that three new General Consul Offices would open in Krasnodar, Samara and St. Petersburg where there is an agreement in principle.
“For the Cyprus government and the people of Cyprus, in the long term, Russia is one of the most important strategic associates of Cyprus”, adding that “we do not view the Russian market or people as a transient market for either tourism or other purposes”, the Minister said.
He reminded that during President of the Republic Demetris Christofias’ visit to Russia last November, eight agreements were signed and the political declaration which both Christofias and his Russian counterpart signed aimed at taking specific measures to strengthen relations in all sectors of the economy – tourism, commerce, services and energy”.
The Minister of Commerce referred to his meeting with the head of the Federal Tourism Service Anatoli Yarotski and the agreement to create a special working group between the two ministries, which will suggest measures to develop tourism.
Pashalides referred extensively to infrastructure projects at ports and airports as well as plans to upgrade the tourism product of Cyprus, to enrich and upgrade it with conference, sports, religious and other forms of specialized tourism, since the Russian market now ranks second in tourist arrivals, with Britain first and Germany dropping one place to third.
He said the advertising budget for Russia in 2009 will reach seven million euros, recording an increase of 25% compared to 2008, while during his meetings with Russian tour operators, they will examine ways to promote initiatives from the private sector.
In view of Cyprus assuming the presidency of the EU in 2012, Pashalides urged Russian investors to show an interest in the tourism sector of the island noting the economy’s credibility and the excellent conditions for foreign investments.
