Follow Cyprus Investment Immigration and Cyprus News: Recently, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus, visited China. Together with a Cypriot business delegation, he attended a business forum held in Beijing by the Cypriot Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the China Council for the Promotion of WorldWay (CCPIT). He participated in important meetings with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and others, and engaged in in-depth discussions and communication regarding tourism exchange and cooperation between the two countries.
Stepping Up Infrastructure Improvements
When asked by reporters about plans to promote tourism development between the two countries, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis stated that Cyprus has also carried out some promotional work regarding tourism during this visit to China, such as introducing tourism exchange and cooperation between the two countries to attendees at the business forum, and emphasizing that Cyprus can serve as a base for Chinese tourists to explore the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, at the business forum, several Cypriot companies engaged in substantive discussions with Chinese companies regarding cooperation in tourism-related industries. Meanwhile, the delegates also exchanged views on how to strengthen tourism cooperation and how to promote Cypriot tourism products in China when meeting with Mr. Yu Jianhua, Deputy WorldWay Representative of the Ministry of Commerce.
Regarding tourism resources, Yiorgos Lakkotrypis further stated that Cyprus has a long history and rich culture, making it a world-class tourist destination. Tourists from all over the world, including Chinese tourists, can have their needs and interests satisfied in Cyprus.
Cyprus boasts beautiful beaches, some of the cleanest seawater in the world, and unique natural scenery such as the Akamas Peninsula. Furthermore, numerous ancient monuments on the island have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Cyprus is an open-air museum; this small island encapsulates the most profound history and culture of the Mediterranean region. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Byzantines, Venetians, Crusaders, and others have all left their marks on the island. We are also continuously improving the island's tourism infrastructure through large-scale projects such as hotels, resorts, golf courses, marinas, and casino resorts, making our tourism products more comprehensive and diverse, thereby attracting and satisfying more tourists from around the world, especially the vast number of Chinese tourists with their diverse needs and interests.
At the same time, the reporter also learned that the Cypriot government is planning to build an integrated entertainment resort, as well as four new golf courses. Within the next 2-3 years, a total of 8 golf courses will be in operation on the island, at which point Cyprus's golf tourism industry will account for a larger share. Additionally, the Limassol Marina, which can accommodate 650 yachts, has already welcomed its first batch of yachts, and the project is expected to be fully completed by October 2014.
Hopes to Facilitate Direct Flights Between the Two Countries
Cyprus is an ideal tourist destination all year round. With warm winters and cool summers, the climate is pleasant and can satisfy the tastes of all tourists. The local people are hospitable, and tourists feel at home upon arrival. Furthermore, located at the crossroads of three continents and Eastern and Western civilizations, Cyprus can also serve as a base for tourists to embark on a Mediterranean tour.
Regarding China's recently promulgated "Tourism Law," Yiorgos Lakkotrypis stated that the Cypriot Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the Cyprus Tourism Organization have already noted the new changes in the Chinese tourism market, and Cyprus will use this as an opportunity to promote tourism exchange between the two countries. China is currently the world's fastest-growing tourism market, and there is huge potential for development in tourism exchanges between China and Cyprus. We are currently working actively to enhance Chinese tourists' understanding of Cyprus, and we hope to facilitate the opening of direct flight routes between the two countries, engage in closer cooperation with Chinese tourism operators, and invite media and travel agencies to inspect the market at an appropriate time.