Cyprus is making headway as regards convention tourism, a Statistical Review by Cyprus Tourism Organization says. The Review was presented Thursday by CTO officials.According to a press release issued by the Organization, CTO Chairman Alecos Orountiotis pointed out that amid the harsh economic conditions Cyprus is faced with, tourism plays a vital role and allows the country to view the future with optimism.He said that in the first ten months of 2012 an increase of 4.1% was recorded in tourist arrivals compared to 2011. At the same time, revenue from the tourist industry also increased.Orountiotis referred to progress in convention tourism.Tourism Director of CTO Annita Demetriadou said that 2012 was pivotal for convention tourism as CTO launched the Cyprus Convention Bureau (CCB) and set up an Advisory Committee in which the private sector is represented.Demetriadou also referred to the CTO campaign and promotional acts in order to encourage conference tourism in Cyprus.According to the results of the statistical review, the vast majority of participants to conference in Cyprus are pleased with services and facilities. Two out of five participants extended their accommodation on the island, one out of 4 participants was accompanied by one or more persons, whereas three out of four were first time travelers to Cyprus.During 2011 a total of 352 events involving conferences and conventions took place with more than 42.000 participants.According to data released by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in 2010 Cyprus ranked 66th in the number of conferences and conventions hosted, whereas in 2011 it ranked 52nd.The majority of the conferences and congresses took place in the southern coastal town of Limassol. May, October and April are the most popular months for conferences in Cyprus.
Source: Finacial Mirror