Airport charges and property ownership impact Cyprus tourism

With more people opting to own homes in Cyprus, and let them out to friends and family, the tourist industry is reporting a drop in trade. To make matters worse, a dramatic increase in airport charges could deter even more visitors.
The International Air Carrier Association (IACA) has called upon Hermes Airports Ltd (which owns Larnaca and Phaphos airports) to reduce its charges (which amount to a hike of 300% since May) for handling, security, fuel throughput and fire services.

Sylviane Lust, IACA Director General said: "Airlines are being asked to pay up to 300% more for the same service levels as previous years. This is simply unacceptable and will act as a deterrent for airlines operating to Cyprus. Flying to both Larnaca and Phaphos is now significantly more expensive which will have direct consequences for tourism to the island of Cyprus."
Meanwhile, Travel Weekly reports that tourism numbers have dropped off in Cyprus as affluent travelers opt to buy property on the island rather than book a package holiday. TW reports that tour operators are seeing a 20% fall in bookings and put this down to holidaymakers choosing 'jet to let' over regular holidays. It quotes Noel Josephides, managing director of Sunvil, who said: "If everyone who owns a property in Cyprus visits it three times a year and then rents it out to another 10 people, it puts a severe dent in the visitor figures."

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) claims that 1.4 million people visited Cyprus last year, buy Josephides estimates that almost a third of them stayed in accommodation owned by Brits. The report also observes that, while hoteliers, travel agents, and tour operators are losing out, DIY shops are booming as people renovate and decorate their villas.