It is the strategic location of Cyprus that makes it such an attractive investment opportunity. The island has long been a popular holiday destination for Northern Europeans, with over 1.37 million from that region visiting in 2013.

However, the short flying times from Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East facilitated visits from a further 830,000 holidaymakers from those areas in the same year. The clement weather, the up-market facilities, tolerant social environment, world-wide air links and very attractive business incentives make the island a compelling location for tourism investment.

It is not only the benign climate that makes the island attractive. Cyprus has both beaches and heavily forested mountain ranges, reaching a height of 2,919 metres. Its history, as a result of its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, has created a cultural mix which is unequalled. UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient churches, Greek and Roman ruins and influences from Venetian, Ottoman, Norman and British occupations have all left their mark.

Tourism represents a significant pillar of Cyprus’s economy and, at almost 900,000 visitors in 2013, the UK remains the largest source of tourist arrivals for the island, despite relative declines in recent years.

The Council will engage with relevant stakeholders in Cyprus and the UK and will focus on strategic initiatives designed to attract investment to the sector, to enhance the island’s tourism product and its marketing and promotional strategies in this vital field of economic activity.