Revenue from tourism increased by 14,5 % in June this year, compared with the same period in 2011, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Neoclis Silikiotis said after a meeting with the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) Board of Directors.

The Minster announced that the total increase in tourist arrivals was 2.8% in the first semester of 2012, adding that this was important, given that there were some alarming trends at the beginning of the year.

Sylikiots said that CTO as well as the Ministry have made significant efforts to maintain tourist arrivals at the same levels as last year, when there were increases of 10% in arrivals and 13% in revenues compared with 2010.

According to the Minister, the latest figures allay concerns over possible reductions in tourist arrivals from countries as the UK or other European countries. The reduction from the British market was less than expected, while there was an increase in arrivals from other European countries. At the same time there was a dramatic increase in tourism from Russia.  

Sylikiotis announced a reorganization of CTO offices abroad, saying that some of them will be closing down, other may merge or new offices may open in promising markets.

He explained that today there are 23 offices abroad with their operating costs exceeding 7.7 million euro, while CTO campaigns cost only 1.8 million euro.

CTO Chairman Alekos Orountiotis  pointed out that now it is time to consider how these offices can be reorganized in the new era of the internet, low cost airlines and tight budgets. He said the CTO has already prepared a study in order to start changes.

He also said that these offices employ about 70-75 people of permanent CTO staff or local staff, who will also be reorganized.