High prices are hurting tourism
THE MAIN complaint by tourists who come to Cyprus is that the high prices are not reflected in quality and services, travel agents warned yesterday.
The Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA) also called for the radical restructuring of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) so that it becomes more effective.
“The main complaint we receive from our visitors is that our prices do not reflect the quality and services on offer,” said ACTA chairman Victor Mantovani during the organisation’s AGM. “Anyone who thinks they will achieve an increase in their profits with unreasonable prices is mistaken and unfortunately they not only hurt their own pocket but our country in general.”
Mantovani said ACTA disagreed with a recent survey that found Cyprus to be the cheapest tourist destination.
Cyprus topped the list of cheapest places to holiday in a survey by Skyscanner, which took into account the cost of visiting the country and flights.
“What is the excuse? The higher rent rates at Phinikoudes (Larnaca seafront) compared to Oxford Street?” Mantovani said.
The ACTA chief also took a shot at airport operator Hermes for its charges.
“Unfortunately the rates charged by Hermes to the users of the new airport are deemed very high, a fact that is certain to deal a further blow to the already hurt competitiveness of our tourist product,” Mantovani said.
He reiterated the need for the radical restructuring of the CTO into two organizations – one handling administrative and legal issues and the other dealing exclusively with drafting strategies and promoting tourism.
“At the moment our tourism is like a sail boat in the middle of the ocean without wind and without a compass. The result: stagnation,” Mantovani said.
“Tourism needs vision, proper planning and coordination and guidance. Things that the CTO is not in a position to offer in its current bureaucratic form,” Mantovani said.
CTO chairman Alecos Orountiotis suggested there will be change within the organisation and appeared optimistic over tourist arrivals this year.
He said one should not remain fixated on specific ways of action but “readjust and broaden our actions.”
“At the CTO we have adjusted our promotional actions depending on the features and the conditions of every market, considering the wider economy.”
The head of the CTO said that despite the difficulties, there has been an increase in arrivals in May by almost five per cent.
“This sends positive and optimistic messages, arming us with more strength and insistence to continue the efforts,” Orountiotis said.