Greece remains the top travel destination for Cypriots, with around 600,000 Cypriots travelling to the country last year. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, as the Greek national tourism organisation recently outlined its strategies to attract even more visitors from Cyprus.
Cypriots: New Initiatives to Enhance Travel Experience
During an event on Wednesday, the Greek tourism board presented various proposals aimed specifically at Cypriot travellers. Athena Spakouri, the board’s director, highlighted that Greece offers “unique holiday experiences” that go beyond popular tourist spots, focusing on traditional locations and local hospitality.
Broadening Travel Options
Spakouri expressed a commitment to expanding travel options while ensuring a steady influx of visitors from Cyprus. She emphasized that Cyprus and Greece should not be viewed as competitors but rather as complementary tourist destinations. This collaboration could pave the way for attracting tourists from farther markets such as the United States and China.
Strengthening Connectivity Between Cyprus and Greece
Greek Ambassador Konstantinos Kollias addressed the event, noting the strong travel connectivity between the two nations. He pointed out frequent flight schedules and short travel durations as significant factors in the high volume of Cypriot travel. The Limassol to Piraeus ferry route was also mentioned as an enhancement to accessibility, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Diverse Tourism Offerings
Kollias underscored Greece’s diverse range of tourism products, which extend beyond traditional holidays to include cultural, religious, gastronomic, agrotourism, and ecotourism. This variety makes Greece an attractive destination for a wide array of travellers.
Cultural and Historical Ties
Representatives at the event reiterated the close cultural and historical connections between Cyprus and Greece. For many Cypriots, Greece is not only a familiar place but also an accessible one for travel abroad.
Airlines Expanding Connectivity
Several airlines, including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Cyprus Airways, took the opportunity to present their summer schedules, showcasing plans to enhance connectivity between the two countries. These efforts are aimed at making travel even more convenient for those wishing to explore the rich offerings of Greece.
