The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) said on Tuesday that tourist arrivals are projected to exceed 3.6 million, breaking a new all-time record, following a record-breaking 2016 tourist season.

According to the Cyprus Statistical Service tourist arrivals for the period of January – August reached 2.51 million, marking a new record for the certain period.

“Based on the so far signs, the overall annual performance for 2017 will mark an historic record exceeding 3.6 million arrivals,” CTO said in a press release on the occasion of the World Tourism Day on September 27.

The CTO also describes as particularly encouraging the fact tourist arrivals in the winter season, that is, January – April 2017, marked the highest percentage increase which reached 19.9%.

The main theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is “Sustainable Tourism, a tool for development,” with the CTO stating that sustainability is always in the epicentre of its efforts.

The CTO said it places sustainability high among its priorities.

“For the CTO sustainability is at the forefront and in this context the Organisation continues its effort to sustain and further improve the already notable record in the tourism sector observed in the last years,” the press release added.