The floods that struck Europe a month ago seriously influenced tourism in Cyprus. According to Minister of Tourism, Nikos Rolandes, this fact will further reduce tourist arrivals in Cyprus from 9% to 10% although final data for August are expected by CYSTAT within next week.

After the end of a conference with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Mr. Rolandes referred to the 10-year strategic plan for tourism, arranged by the Organization. During today’s conference, final details of the plan were examined and it will soon be raised to the cabinet.

The Minister of Tourism did not enter into the plan details, explaining that this should first be introduced to the cabinet and then to the media. He said, however, that plan’s basic circumspections coincide with the general policy for tourist development infrastructure development, as well as the expansion of services offered by Cyprus. He also mentioned that the plan will be evaluated by a ministerial committee every three months and that a report will be submitted every six months.

Mr. Rolandes, commenting on the rate of tourist arrivals during August, stated that tourist wave was greatly affected by the floods that took place in Central Europe; however, he had no evidence concerning UK’s market reaction.

Mr. Rolandes admitted that Cyprus tourist package is 20% more expensive in comparison to other Mediterranean countries and appealed to syndicates so that they hold back in their claims in the face of the union contract renewal in hotels.