ACTTA marks 70 years of shaping Cypriot tourism by focusing on education, fighting illegal practices, and promoting the country to tourists. The association plans to host TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2024, advocate for fair legislation, engage in charity work, and invest in infrastructure to diversify tourism.
What is the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA) focusing on for the future of Cypriot tourism?
ACTTA is focusing on education, combating illegal practices, and promoting Cyprus as a tourist destination. Upcoming strategies include:
- Engaging in charity and environmental activities.
- Hosting TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2024 to feature international exhibitors.
- Advocating for fair legislation in the tourism sector.
- Investing in infrastructure and promoting diverse forms of tourism.
The Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA), commemorating its 70th anniversary, recently hosted a press conference at the Journalists House on March 20, 2024. The event showcased the organization’s continued commitment to driving the tourism industry forward. ACTTA President Harris Papacharalambous highlighted the association’s milestones and upcoming strategies to boost travel within and to Cyprus.
The association’s dedication to community involvement was evident as Papacharalambous announced the members’ participation in various charity activities, including tree planting and beach clean-ups. These initiatives, alongside the participation in the OPAP Limassol Marathon, demonstrate ACTTA’s engagement with environmental and social causes, reflecting a modern, responsible approach to tourism.
ACTTA’s Ongoing Projects and the TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2024
ACTTA’s role in promoting Cyprus as an attractive destination for tourists is long-standing and multifaceted. With a focus on continuous education for its members, the association remains abreast of new technologies and legislation, ensuring the protection of their interests and, by extension, those of travelers and tourists. A key priority is combating illegal practices within the tourism sector and advocating for policies that support best practices and upgrade the institutional framework both locally and at the European level.
In line with these objectives, the upcoming TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2024, scheduled for April 19-21, is set to feature over 50 exhibitors from more than six countries. The expo will not only provide consumers with attractive travel packages but will also contribute to charitable causes, with a portion of the proceeds being donated.
Strengthening the Tourism Ecosystem and Addressing Challenges
Looking back at 2023, Papacharalambous noted a resurgence in travelers’ reliance on the expertise of travel agents. With the tourism sector’s evolving conditions, there is an imperative to continue supporting these agents while encouraging adaptation to new challenges. One such challenge is the legislative gap between airlines’ obligations to consumers and those of tour operators—a discrepancy that the association is keen to reconcile.
Outbound tourism from Cyprus hit a record high in 2023, with Greece and the UK topping the list of destinations. The cruise sector also experienced a significant upswing, though its progress was slightly hampered by geopolitical tensions in the region. Inbound tourism, on the other hand, showed promising results, yet there remains untapped potential in areas like winter tourism and alternative tourism sectors. Papacharalambous emphasized the need for substantial investment in infrastructure and promotion to realize this growth.
The Road Ahead: Infrastructure, Investment, and Diversification
Papacharalambous concluded by stressing the critical role of tourism in Cyprus’s economy and the need for continuous and deliberate enhancement to succeed in a competitive global market. He pointed out that strategic development, investment in tourism infrastructure, and addressing sector-specific challenges are essential for the industry’s growth. Diversifying the tourism market and exploring alternative forms of tourism could be an effective response to the sector’s long-standing struggle for variety.
The Vice Presidents of ACTTA, Panos Charalambous and Christos Christou, also addressed the press conference, sharing insights into their respective areas of expertise—airline affairs, airports, and outbound tourism. Their contributions underlined the association’s holistic approach to the multifaceted tourism industry.
ACTTA’s 70th anniversary is not just a celebration of its past achievements but also a beacon for the future, signaling a commitment to progress, responsibility, and innovation in Cypriot tourism.
What is the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA) focusing on for the future of Cypriot tourism?
ACTTA is focusing on education, combating illegal practices, and promoting Cyprus as a tourist destination. Upcoming strategies include:
– Engaging in charity and environmental activities.
– Hosting TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2024 to feature international exhibitors.
– Advocating for fair legislation in the tourism sector.
– Investing in infrastructure and promoting diverse forms of tourism.
What is the significance of TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2024?
TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2024 is a significant event that will feature over 50 exhibitors from more than six countries. It aims to provide attractive travel packages to consumers and contribute to charitable causes. The expo is part of ACTTA’s efforts to promote Cyprus as an appealing tourist destination.
How is ACTTA addressing challenges in the tourism sector?
ACTTA is addressing challenges in the tourism sector by advocating for fair legislation, combating illegal practices, and supporting the adaptation of travel agents to new conditions. The association is also focusing on investing in infrastructure, promoting alternative forms of tourism, and engaging in charity and environmental activities to enhance the tourism ecosystem.
What are some of the future plans of ACTTA to boost Cypriot tourism?
Some of the future plans of ACTTA to boost Cypriot tourism include investing in infrastructure, advocating for fair legislation, engaging in charity and environmental activities, and promoting diverse forms of tourism. The association is committed to shaping the future of Cypriot tourism by continuously innovating and supporting the growth of the industry.
