World  Wetlands Day (WWD) which was celebrated around the world yesterday with the theme ‘Wetlands and tourism’ highlighted the role of responsible tourism  in supporting both wetlands and people, according to campaigns manager of Birdlife Cyprus Martin Hellicar.

“Wetlands can be a huge draw for Cyprus tourism and a big plus in the industry’s portfolio if they are looked after properly.”

Celebrated every year on February 2 WWD marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971, in Ramsar , iran . The ramsar convention , an intergovernmental treaty, acknowledges the importance of wetland ecosystems, and provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources.

According to Hellicar, Birdlife Cyprus together with a number of government departments will this year be focusing on ways to apply well managed tourism practices in and around the wetlands and to educate tourists on their value.

“These areas are legally protected and there is an urgent need  to stop all forms of development around them”, said Hellicar.”They have great potential as tourist attractions if they are managed responsibly by allowing only limited access to sensitive areas and controlled access to other areas”.

Cyprus has two ramsar Wetlands (Wetlands of International  importance) – the Larnaca and Akrotiri Salt Lakes. Both sites already attract tourists and birdwatchers from Cyprus and abroad, particularly due to their natural beauty ,the large number of flamingos that can be seen there, and their proximity to beaches and sites of cultural importance .

The salt lakes , the Phassouri marsh  and the surrounding wetlands also concentrate the highest number of waterbirds. More than 20,000 waterbirds regularly stop Lake during their migration in winter. The salt lakes are an important habitat for flamingos, with more that 3000 regularly using the lakes as a feeding ground during the winter season.

“with the proper management and inclusion of paths, fences and water level management of these habitats we can reap the long-term benefits that wetlands provide, ”said Hellicar.

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The  drastic changes in world tourism and new prospects for Cyprus tourism will be the focus of the 34^th annual Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA)  conference at the Hilton Park Hotel  in Nicosia on Thursday, February 2.

The meeting’s key-note speaker will be Finance Minister Kikis Kazamias while experts from here and aboard, including Russia, Germany and Ireland, will address the event.

Titled  “ Year 2012: Critical for the long term future of Cyprus tourism,” the conference will in clued a products and services exhibition, also organised by CHA for 20^th consecutive year.

The meeting will open at 9pm and close at 4pm.

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Cyprus tourism  income continued to climb despite the financial crisis with a rise of 7,5% in October compared to the same period last year.

The jump in revenues suggests that Cyprus is benefiting from turmoil in the region way beyond the summer months as holidaymakers seek a  familyfriendly destination.

Better tourism figures is one of the few bright spots for a struggling economy expected to experience minor 0.5% GDP  growth this year, especially with the banks needing to cope with a 50% Greek haircut.

Revenue from the island’s key tourism sector reached  euro 188.8m in October  against euro 175.5m  for the same period of 2010 , recording an increase of 7.5%, said the statistical service yesterday.

Income from tourism accounts for the around 12% of Cyprus’s  gross domestic products.

Cyprus tourism revenue in 2010 improved 3.8% on a year earlier; boosting confidence the key sector can help steady the island’s shaky economy.

Holidaymakers to Cyprus hit a high of 2.69 million in 2001 spending a record euro2.17b

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The time is ripe to promote winter tourism in Cyprus as competing countries in the region go through turmoil, a travel agents leader said this week The president of the Cyprus Travel Agents Association (ACTA) Victor Mantovani, told the 57^th annual general meeting: “Next winter presents major opportunities and possibilities because of the uncertainty in Egypt. Unfortunately, we are not seeing the necessary determination from the CTO and hoteliers to make the most of the situation.”

He called for collective effort and cooperation by the state, municipalities and the private sector while unions had to tackle the issue with an open mind and forget the traditional collective agreements. “At last, let us find a formula of work benefits for the winter months rather than unemployment benefits,” he told travel agents and tour operators. Tourism infrastructure such as golf courses, pedestrian areas, pavements, cycling routes, theme parks and the development of services for visitors such as entertainment, excursions and various municipal events were imperative, he told the conference.

“Competing destinations like Turkey which are less suitable for winter tourism are managing to attract many more winter tourists than we are,” said Mantovani.

“We also have information that the North Cyprus  areas are offering incentives of around 80 euro per visitor for next winter and have managed to tap into the European markets,” he added. Benefits include more foreign exchange income since visitors spend more because winter holiday packages are cheaper. Winter tourism helps to boost summer bookings since Cyprus, as a destination, is promoted throughout the year creating a continuous momentum, he said.

Referring to problems faced by Cyprus Airways, Mantovani was optimistic that solutions can be found. He said the national carrier had to operate on a more “rational” basis and move immediately to cut expenses and boost revenue.

“It`s time for our national carrier to develop a modern strategy and a correct pricing policy based on market capacities. It also has to adjust to new realities and today`s competitive environment,” he said.

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Cyprus Tourism Organisation official Maro Kazepi said the CTO was keen to rewiev the Friends of the Earth Cyprus report in the interest of the management and promotion of the island`s tourist sector. “The CTO shows great interest in the promotion of environmental, cultural and natural attractions as an alternative to traditional beach and sun tourism. Cyprus has the potential to be a top year-round agro tourism destination.” She added that the CTO was aware of some of the current issues ramblers face when walking along the E4 path, such as the lack of signs. “Once we have studied these problems we intend to contact the government departments that are responsible for the different sections of the E4 long-distance path in Cyprus in order to work towards a solution.”

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