Cyprus Tourism targets Indian outbound tourists by launching a series of promotions

Cyprus, a year-round Mediterranean island destination with a population of close to 800,000 is eyeing the lucrative Indian outbound market. It announced its foray in the Indian market today.

Cyprus, a year-round Mediterranean island destination with a population of close to 800,000 is eyeing the lucrative Indian outbound market. It announced its foray in the Indian market today.

Addressing the press in Mumbai, Vassilis Theocharides, Director, Middle East and Gulf, Cyprus Tourism Organisation said, "Cyprus is the closest European destination for Indian travellers. Though a modern island nation, it retains an essentially Mediterranean character."

He further adds, "English is widely spoken in Cyprus as it was a former British colony and it has more than 19 Indian restaurants, which makes it even more comfortable for the Indian traveller.''

Cyprus is part of the European Union and Indians need a visa to visit Cyprus. They can also visit on a Schengan visa provided they have entered a Schengan country preceding a visit to Cyprus.

Speaking at the launch, Karan Anand, Head—Relationships and Supplier Management, Cox and Kings India Ltd, (CKIL), said, "We are launching a slew of marketing initiatives with Cyprus using our vast network of offices, agents and our franchisee stores across India and we believe that this would provide a platform in promoting Cyprus in the Indian market.''

CKIL is launching a FREE Holiday offer for 100 people through a print and television campaign. The television campaign will provide highlights of the destination and viewers will have to answer questions on the destination via an SMS. The winners will be selected on the basis of this contest. ?The aim is to generate interest in Cyprus as a destination among Indians. This campaign will be launched shortly.

CKIL has also released an exclusive Cyprus brochure with information on various destinations and itineraries. ?

Speaking on the launch of the brochure, Ashutosh Mehere, Vice-President, FIT, CKIL, said, "This brochure is a collection of destinations and itineraries for both leisure and corporate travellers and caters specifically to the taste of the Indian traveller."

In terms of tourism figures, the total number of visitor arrivals to Cyprus in 2008 stood at 2.630.547 and revenue from tourism in 2008 was estimated at 1.810 million Euros. The top five tourism generating markets for Cyprus are UK, Germany, Greece, Sweden and Norway. The average length of stay of a tourist is around 10 nights.

Geographically, its 9,251 square kms (3,572 square miles), encompass citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains reaching heights of 1,950 metres (6,400 feet), and some of Europe's cleanest beaches. The island has a mild, typically Mediterranean climate, with abundant warm sunshine and little rain. Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and the international airport in the city of Larnaca is well connected by Etihad and Emirates.