Cypriot tourism on 'upward course'

Owners of investment properties in Cyprus could find they enjoy better than expected rental income during the coming winter.

The Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (Acta), Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Ministry of Tourism have been working together to attract more visitors to the island, reports the Cyprus Mail.

Akis Kelepeshis, president of Acta, told the trade group's annual general meeting that there were already signs that those efforts were paying off and that 2008 would be the start of a "firm upward course" for the Cypriot tourism industry.

He added: "The efforts made this year for increasing numbers in the winter season 2008-09 appear to be bearing fruit."

The news, which could mean that owners of rental property in Cyprus enjoy good levels of occupancy during usually quiet months, comes just days after an increase in the number of Britons booking holidays to the Mediterranean island was reported.

Travel website lastminute.com revealed that bookings for June breaks to Cyprus were up 32 per cent on the corresponding period in 2007.