Larnaka is enjoying a starring role in Cyprus’ tourism sector following a record number of arrivals and hotel bookings this summer. According to information from the Larnaka Tourism Board, tourists, particularly from the UK, Germany, Russia, Israel, Lebanon, Poland and Romania, are discovering the delights of Larnaka region, resulting in an increase in local hotel bookings of up to 12%, with most units fully booked until at least November.
The total number of tourist arrivals to Larnaka Region in 2016 was 366,448. Chairman of the Larnaka Tourism Board, Dinos Lefkaritis, told Parikiaki during the World Travel Market last week that the increase in arrivals is set to continue.
“All the information and the feedback we receive is promising. Throughout the past three days in London I have had meetings, received feedback and listened to any complaints, so we can make things better. What I can say is that hopefully we will break another record next year.”
Commenting on last year’s record, Mr Lefkaritis said that Larnaka had more beds, with the opening of 16 new units and small hotels, which accommodated more tourists. He also added that there is information that another four to five similar places will be available this season, as they are now renovating old houses which will be transformed into boutique hotels and small hotel units.
“These, along with the opening of Radisson Blu in mid-2018, will be a big opportunity for tourists. Radisson Blu will be a huge place near the port. Located in a nice area, overlooking the sea, the port and the marina, it will attract even more visitors,” he added.
In regards to the port area, Mr Lefkaritis said that the ministry has announced a short list for whom will be awarded the area of the port and the marina. It is estimated that by the end of the year they will be able to do something.
Asked about agrotourism and the winter arrivals, the Chairman of Larnaka Tourism Board said that it is increasing and this is a good opportunity.
“We arrange walks and excursions to the outskirts of Larnaka and our tourism project is constantly being updated. The numbers for this winter season look good.”
Larnaka also attracts divers who visit the island to explore the Zenobia wreck, which ranks among the top 10 best wreck dives globally. From next year however, Larnaka’s artificial reef will become even richer with the addition of another vessel.
Mr Lefkaritis told our paper that the aptly named ‘Elpida’ (which means ‘hope’ in Greek), a 63 metre long Greek vessel, will be sunk off the coast of Voroklini, giving divers more opportunities to explore.
“We are now in the process of cleaning the vessel and we hope that it will be sunk by March, making our diving tourism even richer.”
Larnaka Tourism Board is delighted to have been recognised with a 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for its free ‘Larnaka Free Winter Experiences’ programme, based on excellent reviews. The region has organised complimentary activities for the past five years for tourists staying in licenced hotel accommodation within the Larnaka region from November until April.
Mr Lefkaritis explained that the aim is to enrich Larnaka’s tourism winter product and enhance the visitors’ experience through their acquaintance with the local culture and tradition. Activities available include guided tours, excursions in picturesque villages, wine tasting, halloumi-cheese production demonstrations, basket-weaving sessions, birdwatching and traditional cooking sessions.
Larnaka is easily accessible throughout the winter months with flights from Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Luton airports. Airlines flying direct to Larnaka from the UK during the winter include Easyjet, Cobalt Air, Blue Air and British Airways. There are 34 weekly flights, including daily flights with Easyjet and British Airways from Gatwick and Heathrow – so plenty of capacity and choice for those looking for some winter sun.
For more information on Larnaka visit www.larnakaregion.com
