GO TO CYPRUS

The largest island in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is renowned for its natural beauty.

Geographically it is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, and then offers a rich fusion of Greek and Middle Eastern culture is most evident in his music and food.

Cyprus - home to the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility - is more than 300 sunny days a year and is an ideal destination for those seeking to flee to climates hot.

The accession of Cyprus to the European Union (EU) in 2004 saw its economy grow. Travel and tourism - an economic pillar for the country - has particularly benefited, with encouraging forecasts for growth over the next ten years. Coupled with rising airline costs low, its tourist industry has never been less buoyant. Budget Airlines also provide that the movement to new countries such as Cyprus EU will increase by at least 20 per cent yoy, due to cheap flights on offer. Consequently, the Travel and Tourism experts expect to see a positive impact on hotel performance.

Comparing the figures of post-EU with current statistics, tourism in Cyprus has been significantly strengthened. Personal Travel & Tourism CYP significantly increased by 413.5 million in 2002 (£ 555.4 million) to reach CYP 575.6 million (773.1 million pounds) in 2007 and 2017, this figure should rise to 122, 9 million CYP (1,508.2 million pounds sterling). The total demand for travel and tourism in Cyprus is also expected to increase 4% per year during this period. Sitting at just under 2.2 million CYP (£ 3 million) in 2007, the Travel Council and World Tourism predicted that the number will reach more than 3.7 million CYP (5 million pounds) by 2017 .

Not only will tourism figures increased sharply since Cyprus became an EU member, but figures of the industrial economy and people employed in industry have also increased. In 2007, 165,000 people were employed in both the economy and employment in the industry, this figure should reach 172,000 by 2017.

Overall, Cyprus Travel and Tourism Industry should contribute CYP 1567.5 million (2,106 million pounds) in gross domestic product by 2017. The contribution of the economy should increase to 3455.9 million CYP (£ 4643.4 million) in the same period. In addition, industry experts have said that due to EU accession, investment opportunities in tourism will be plentiful.