Tourist arrivals increased by 16,7% in September compared to the same month last year, making September 2016 the best ever recorded in Cyprus.
On the basis of the results of the Passengers Survey, arrivals of tourists reached 421.201 in September 2016 compared to 360.899 in September 2015, recording an increase of 16,7%. September 2016 had the highest volume of tourist arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus during the specific month.
For the period of January – September 2016 arrivals of tourists totaled 2.617.218 compared to 2.203.599 in the corresponding period of 2015, recording an increase of 18,8% and out numbering the total arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus during the first nine months of the year.
Arrivals from Russia increase significantly
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Tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom increased by 3,0% in September 2016 compared to September 2015 while an increase of 51,8% was recorded for tourists from Russia. Increases were also recorded from other important tourist markets, such as Sweden (22,1%), Israel (20,5%), Greece (24,7%) and Germany (1,4%). Contrary to that, a decrease of 1,7% in tourist arrivals from Norway was recorded.
Main countries
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The United Kingdom and Russia constitute the main sources of tourism for Cyprus, with proportions of 35,5% and 27,2% respectively, while arrivals from Sweden comprise 4,6% and from Israel 4,2% of total arrivals.
Characteristics of tourists
For a percentage of 87,7% of tourists, the purpose of their trip was holidays, for 8,1% was visit to friends and relatives and for 4,1% business.
Women comprise 48,8% of tourists and men 51,2%, whilst most of the tourists belonged to the age group of 20-44 years.
CNA/TNE/GCH 2016
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY