CYPRUS COASTAL TOURISM CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION MARCH 2015 RODOULA ANTONIOU

WELCOME TO CYPRUS Area: 9,251 km 2 Population: about 800,000

At the Crossroads of 3 Continents...

10,000 years of History

A multidimensional destination …

…with amazing beaches and the Cleanest Sea Bathing Waters of Europe (European Environment Agency – Bathing Water Directive)

Relaxing Beaches Nissi Beach – Agia Napa

Romantic Beaches Ammos tou Kambouri - Agia Napa

Beautiful Beach Promenades Phinikoudes (Palm Trees Promenade) - Larnaka

Safe Beaches Most of Cyprus beaches are attended by Qualified Lifeguards Very low numbers of drownings Photo: Dassoudi Beach - Limassol

Accessible beaches and waters for people with disabilities 5Five innovative systems (Seatrac) that offer autonomous access to the sea for the disabled, are found in all Cyprus districts. A total of 37 beaches have ramps/paths for wheelchairs, parking places and hygiene facilities for the disabled. (Photo: Vrisi Beach, Protaras)

Nature Protected Areas Lara Reserve (Akamas Peninsula) Turtle Protection Area

Around 700 km of coastline of which 300 km under Cyprus / EU jurisdiction and 400km under turkish occupation since 1974 (Photo: Agios Georgios island at Polis, Pafos)

About 112 organised beaches More than half are Blue Flag awarded 57 Cyprus Blue Flag Beaches in 17 Municipalities / Communities

5 of the Blue Flag Beaches have also the “Greening Cyprus Beaches” award Photos (left to right): Nissi Beach, Fig Tree Beach and Akti Olympion Beach

Who is responsible for the management and operation of the beaches in Cyprus? - According to the Cyprus Law for the Protection of the Shore, Local Authorities (Municipalities and Communities) are responsible for the management and operation of the beaches found in their boundaries.

 Tourism is very important for Cyprus : 2,4 mil. tourist arrivals €2,1 bil. income, about 20% contribution in GNP -Gross National Product, increase of employment, more development, new challenges etc.  Though Cyprus offers a multidimensional product to visitors (history, monuments, nature trails, cycling routes, golf, gastronomy etc), according to a recent tourism research about 90% of tourists come to Cyprus for its sun and beaches. Why coastal tourism is important for Cyprus?

 Partnership in Environmental Projects (e.g Blue Flag, Greening Cyprus Beaches, Quality Coast, Clean Seas – Marlisco etc).  Support of various actions promoting sustainability e.g cleaning campaigns etc  Communication and Cooperation with Local Authorities, Ministries, Lifeguard Associations, Schools, Watersport Associations, Organisations for the Disabled etc for various topics related to the coasts.  Promotion / Advertising of Cyprus Beaches in Cypus and Abroad (Internet, Press, Newsletters etc). What does CTO do for the beaches?

 Sponsorships of works and equipment regarding safety, cleanliness and accessibility on the beaches (e.g lifeguard towers, and life saving equipment, beans, ramps, Seatracs etc) What does CTO do for the beaches?

 Publication of informative material (e.g booklet Lets Go to the Beach) and participation in campaigns organised in cooperation with Lifeguard Associations regarding awareness of people on the safety on the beach. What does CTO do for the beaches?

 Organises seminars for schools regarding cleanliness and safety on the beach  Organises seminars for people working on the beach e.g lifeguards, regarding tourism and professional behavior. What does CTO do for the beaches?

CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION THANK YOU!