Terrorism in Europe helped Cyprus emerge as a most attractive destination for 2016

Cyprus has been listed among the 4 most desirable tourist destinations for 2016, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). According to the report, Mexico, Iceland, Cyprus and Azerbaijan stood out this past year, managing to become alternatives for tourists who avoided countries with terrorist attacks.

Regarding Cyprus, the report notes that in 2016 the expenditure of tourists on the island increased by 17%. Specifically, the revenue amounted to €2,6 billion. Many consider Cyprus as one of the safest destinations in Europe due to the terrorism incidents elsewhere. In particular, in the case of France, tourist arrivals decreased by 7%.

Despite of a global trend for reduced length of stay for the visitors in tourist destinations, the overall picture remained positive for the tourism industry on the island. Thus, although the average expenditure per traveler decreased from €794 in 2015 to €742 in 2016, Cyprus has managed to record a significant revenue growth. Impressive is the fact, however, that in the case of the "outsider" Azerbaijan, the corresponding increase reached 71%, although in absolute numbers the revenue was similar to the amount of Cyprus.

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