Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Giorgos Lillikas proceeded on Wednesday to forecasts on the prospects of the Cyprus tourist industry for the remaining months of 2003 and gave explanations for his optimism after the contacts he had with the UK.

Speaking after a press conference held at his Office, attended by the Hoteliers’ Associations, tour operators, Cyprus Airways, “Helios” Airways and CTO, Mr. Lillikas expressed his estimate that there will be a recovery in tourist arrivals for 2004. As regards to 2003, the estimates of the Ministry coincided with these of the Finance Ministry, which anticipates a drop of 5% in tourist arrivals and a drop of 10% in tourist revenues for the full year 2003.

“Messages for next year are positive. All British tour operators are bound to two “scenarios”. First that tourist arrivals in Cyprus for the next year will fluctuate to the same levels as this year and, second, that tourist arrivals will show an increase. Messages from France and Germany are also positive, while contacts with the Russian representatives will take place in early December”, Mr. Lillikas noted.

The Minister also emphasized that the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 will affect positively tourist arrivals, since special tourist packages will be offered.

Agreement for 2004

Mr. Lillikas announced that all sides have ended up with an agreement and decided to adopt a common strategic and rapprochement for the attraction of tourists in 2004, based on two levels: a) external tourism for which packages will be announced shortly, b) domestic tourism for which packages will be announced by the CTO at a press conference.