EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - A Regional Tourism Strategy for Free Famagusta Area

A Regional Tourism Strategy for Free Famagusta Area

Introduction

The policy document assesses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Free Famagusta Area (government controlled areas of Cyprus) with respect to its further tourist development. It identifies a strategic response to these issues.

Description

In 2004, the area attracted almost one in three of all visitors to Cyprus (Paralimni 16%, Ayia Napa 16%) compared with 34.5% in 2003. Almost 800,000 overseas visitors spent a holiday in the region. The area has the shortest season of all resorts in Cyprus, with many businesses closed in winter months.
The key elements of the desired positioning of Cyprus as a holiday destination include ‘quality’; ‘a range of satisfying activities’; and ‘the opportunity for the visitor to discover new exciting experiences’. Within this framework, a specific policy for the region of Free Famagusta was designed.
The following guiding Principles and Targets for Tourism Strategy in the Region of Free Famagusta were set:

The Free Famagusta area must remain price competitive in the face of competition.
Communicating the appeals and attractions of the Free Famagusta area to potential markets will have to be integrated with the overall marketing strategy being pursued by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the tourist industry with respect to the whole of Cyprus.
The area needs to adopt a rigorous approach to implementing a range of measures to protect and enhance its environmental quality.
The strategy should include specific actions to foster research and product innovation, together with benchmarking audits against best practice in other destinations.

The implementation of the proposed strategy for the area will require a new organisational arrangement for facilitation and co-ordination, and monitoring of progress.

Contact info

The Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI)

Publication date

01/01/2006

Article info
Organisation: Famagusta Chamber of Commerce

Links

Website of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce

The strategy document (PDF, Eng, 487 KB)

Document type

policy

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Specific sectors