According to CYSTAT data released on Monday, tourist revenues in August 2006 recorded a drop of 3.9% to £155 million against £161.3 million in the corresponding month of 2005.

On the other hand, in January-August 2006, tourist revenues surged 3.5% to £697.2 million against £673.9 million last year.

Spending per capital

Invited to comment on the latest figures, CTO representative, Antigoni Louca said that August was a tough month for tourism. “However, the drop in revenues was smaller than that of the tourist arrivals (6.5%). The average spending per capita surged 2.7% to £492.27 against £479.27 in August 2005”, Mrs. Louca said.

Same data revealed that the Russians spend more during their stay in Cyprus, since their spending per capital climbed 16.2% to £602.78 against £518.64 in August 2005.

The average spending of the Italians and the Irish stood at £584.65 and £583.82 respectively.

It is worth noting that the average daily spending showed an increase of 3.8% to £41.01 compared to £39.51 last year.

“The efforts for the improvement of the island’s tourist product continue. With the enforcement of the Strategic Plan, the tourist product will be upgraded”, Mr. Louca concluded.