Paphos Life

Tourism arrivals in 2021 hovered just below the 2 million mark - some three times more than the previous year but only half the record-breaking pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to figures published by the Cyprus statistical service (Cystat) on Thursday. ...

Read the article and chat about it below...

Given the circumstances that's pretty good.

For a country with a population of about one mill, thats not bad going especially in these covid times.

I am sure under the circumstances of Covid its not bad but I bet the bar restaurant and hotel owners would disagree, let's hope 2022 is a bumper year.

I seem to remember max numbers of tourists per annum were around (pre covid) 3 million.. For years I think the number was between 2 -3 million.

There must be optimism around at least in developers minds. There are a few new hotels being built along the Paphos area, plus some hotels are adding extra storeys .Many have already done so.
As long as probably the bulk of the tourists are booking fully inclusive hotel holidays, unfortunately, its unlikely that local businesses , bars, tavernas, restaurants will benefit. It's more likely that those who book villas or apartments will eat out more and buy food etc in local shops.
Dee

More tourists even fully inclusive = more employment for local people, it isn't rocket science

mouse wrote: ↑Fri Feb 04, 2022 5:33 pm 2 million sounds a big number ! These figures are obviously issued to make things sound good ! But what were the pre covid figures ? Between double and triple I would guess.

You don't have to guess - it's stated in the article "but only half the record-breaking pre-pandemic year of 2019".

2019 was a record year for tourist arrivals beating 2018 which previously held the record.

Given the restrictions, additional testing, flight changes etc then as Dominic mentioned - pretty good under the circumstances.

Looking positive for 2022 so far so let's keep our fingers crossed.

Cheers

Steve