Towards a reverse of the negative climate seen during the first nine months of 2002, says the Finance Minister

The Finance Minister, Takis Clerides, has expressed his optimism that the negative climate in tourist arrivals seen in the first nine months of the year are to be reversed commenting the increase of the 12% in tourist arrivals for November.

Mr. Clerides said Cyprus’ accession in the European Union is expected to further boost tourism, stressing, however, that a possible war in Iraq is to have negative effects.

According to the Statistics Service, the increase in arrivals at Paphos airport reached 19.1% in November, while arrivals at Larnaca airport increased by 9%. The Minister clarified that full data over tourist arrivals will be at Ministry’s disposal by mid December pointing out that total arrivals, as well as the increase by 6.1% in October “indicate that there is a reverse of the negative climate in tourist arrivals that raises hopes for a further recovery for 2003”

It is worth mentioning that the positive climate was also seen in October, as tourist arrivals at Larnaca and Paphos airports increased by 2% compared to the same period last year.