Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean.
It has been politically divided since 1974:
Turks occupy the northern third of the island.
Greek-Cypriots occupy the south, where they have built up a thriving tourist industry.
Approximately 3/4 of the population is occupied in the tertiary sector.
Tourism contributes 12% to the GDP (as of 2013)
There has been a dramatic increase since the mid 1970s
1975 - 45,085 visitors
1996 - 1,195,000 visitors
2013 - 2,400,000 visitors
The physical attractions:
Long hot summers - average of 30°C in August, with only 10mm rainfall.
Moderate winters - 17°C in December, 75mm rain.
The Akamas Peninsula is one of Europe's last unspoilt forests - breeding ground for turtles. Greenpeace is working to achieve national park status for this area, as opposed to developing it for tourism.
Trodos mountains, covered in pine forest.
Greco peninsula - spectacular cliffs and caves.
Cypriot beaches rank amongst the cleanest in the EU; Nissi beach is one of the best beaches along with its small natural harbour (used for day/fishing trips)
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A growing number of visitors come for special interest holidays.
Sports tourism is one increasingly popular area. Cyprus recently hosted several international sporting events including UEFA cup qualifying matches, while overseas football squads hold their winter practice sessions on the island.
Golf tourism is also expanding rapidly. Cyprus boasts four 18-hole international courses, and there are plans to award permits to bring the total number to 11.
Other expanding areas include health and wellbeing holidays, with the recent creation of several exclusive spa hotels to pamper visitors.
Medical tourism in particular is experiencing unprecendented growth, as Cyprus has a world-class private health care in a technology advanced environment.
A new potential tourism product and area of investment is the development of state-of-the-art casinos. Cyprus has given the go-ahead to establish a casino industry on the island.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is specifically aimed at young people aged 18 to 25, and is a purpose built resort. There is/are:
Bars, clubs and discos.
'WaterWorld' waterpark - has over 25 rides and attractions, and a Greek mythology theme. It has received over 4 million visitors.
Marine park with dolphins and seals.
Makronissos Tombs, first discovered in 1872. Date back to Roman times.
Monastery - one of the few remaining buildings from the original village.
Positive Impacts of Tourism at Ayia Napa:
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has encouraged tourism because it provides 12% of the GDP and employs over 40,000 people in hotels. This figure could be doubled if the multiplier effect is taken into account.
Local 'youth' population now has a better night life with entertainment etc.
More bus services to/from Ayia Napa than if it were still a small fishing village.
Negative Impacts:
Jobs are seasonal - when not in peak season, hotels only let approximately 30% of their rooms, so same numbers of staff are not needed.
Original inhabitants of village, most of whom were fishermen, have now moved away to another settlement - they found noise and poor behaviour of tourists upsetting and distressing.
Pressure on services like sewage disposal.
Massive hotel construction next to the beach has:
Disturbed breeding grounds of turtles.
Excessive litter on beaches has to be cleaned daily.