This is from NINO! Cyprus 101
Cyprus 101
So there are a few things about Cyprus and Cypriot culture which meet more than the eye sees. Cyprus seems to be the ideal beach holiday destination , arguably it is or is in the process of becoming the prime time destination for European and Mediterranean/Balkan sun worshippers. Especially when considering the recent political and security developments that have been happening in other beach destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Greece. The tourist crowd seems to be mixed yet the island seems to attract mostly older people or families with younger children. This is not a surprise as Cyprus sells itself as the island that has 360/365 sunny days per year. Other than that what is it really that Cyprus offers to its visitors? This seems to be a question unanswered and at the same time answered in a myriad of ways. The case seems to be that Cyprus is in a severe identity crisis. This identity crisis is reflected in its society, the Cypriot people; as well as the tourism that is present currently. Cyprus caters to the rich and poor as evident from the luxury resorts, designer stores and huge modern shopping malls. However, at the same time renting a sun bed or a parasol only costs you 2.50€ a day. The capital of Cyprus, Lekosia, might prosper under the nickname of being the last divided city but it seems that the island itself is as much internally divided as are the northern and southern part. Judging from the fragmented development and modernization of the city of Paphos it seems like Cyprus does not clearly know who they were, are or want to be. This is visible in the stark contrast between asphalt roads, dirt roads and paved roads all within the old center and tourist area of Paphos. The same pattern is evident in the wide variety of different price classes available for accommodation. This segmented development is further evident in shops like mark and Spencer's next to huge budget supermarket Lidl and the rare local corner shop. Diversity in terms of facilities and shops are definitely growing in Cyprus but have these new business incentives jeopardized local business or is it actually flourishing due to this touristic boost? How do locals feel about this change? In what way has it impacted their life for the better or worse? These are all key questions to think about especially when keeping in mind that Simoni, a Cypriot Greek student has told us that the government and municipality of Cyprus are not too pleased with their current tourism. So what is Cyprus lacking? Arguably infrastructure, enough leisure and nightlife and perhaps cultural activities. The island of Cyprus already offers the perfect holiday beach weather as well as a lot of untouched nature. Yet, the average visitor is of age and tends to spend their pastime sipping all inclusive cocktails next to the infinity pool in front of their hotel. The problem with this type of tourism is that the money does not really trickle down into all layers of society but rather stays within the hands of big multinationals. On top of that all inclusive holidays are usually rather cheap/economical for the visitor and allow for minimal interaction with the locals and their culture. Cyprus would probably love to be known for more than just a sunny island. For example, Malta, can be seen to have a similar geological situation and climate but yet draws in a different type of tourists. So, what exactly is it about Malta that distinguishes it from Cyprus. The answer to this question partly might have been determined by history. Malta, in the past decades has profited from political stability that has allowed for the island to develop and flourish its trade, infrastructure and tourist sector whereas Cyprus, obviously has not benefited the same circumstances. The question looming ahead is whether Cyprus will manage to get rid of its social and political baggage and through new image branding will succeed to acquire the desired type of tourism to take it to the next level.
So there are a few things about Cyprus and Cypriot culture which meet more than the eye sees. Cyprus seems to be the ideal beach holiday destination , arguably it is or is in the process of becoming the prime time destination for European and Mediterranean/Balkan sun worshippers. Especially when considering the recent political and security developments that have been happening in other beach destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Greece. The tourist crowd seems to be mixed yet the island seems to attract mostly older people or families with younger children. This is not a surprise as Cyprus sells itself as the island that has 360/365 sunny days per year. Other than that what is it really that Cyprus offers to its visitors? This seems to be a question unanswered and at the same time answered in a myriad of ways. The case seems to be that Cyprus is in a severe identity crisis. This identity crisis is reflected in its society, the Cypriot people; as well as the tourism that is present currently. Cyprus caters to the rich and poor as evident from the luxury resorts, designer stores and huge modern shopping malls. However, at the same time renting a sun bed or a parasol only costs you 2.50€ a day. The capital of Cyprus, Lekosia, might prosper under the nickname of being the last divided city but it seems that the island itself is as much internally divided as are the northern and southern part. Judging from the fragmented development and modernization of the city of Paphos it seems like Cyprus does not clearly know who they were, are or want to be. This is visible in the stark contrast between asphalt roads, dirt roads and paved roads all within the old center and tourist area of Paphos. The same pattern is evident in the wide variety of different price classes available for accommodation. This segmented development is further evident in shops like mark and Spencer's next to huge budget supermarket Lidl and the rare local corner shop. Diversity in terms of facilities and shops are definitely growing in Cyprus but have these new business incentives jeopardized local business or is it actually flourishing due to this touristic boost? How do locals feel about this change? In what way has it impacted their life for the better or worse? These are all key questions to think about especially when keeping in mind that Simoni, a Cypriot Greek student has told us that the government and municipality of Cyprus are not too pleased with their current tourism. So what is Cyprus lacking? Arguably infrastructure, enough leisure and nightlife and perhaps cultural activities. The island of Cyprus already offers the perfect holiday beach weather as well as a lot of untouched nature. Yet, the average visitor is of age and tends to spend their pastime sipping all inclusive cocktails next to the infinity pool in front of their hotel. The problem with this type of tourism is that the money does not really trickle down into all layers of society but rather stays within the hands of big multinationals. On top of that all inclusive holidays are usually rather cheap/economical for the visitor and allow for minimal interaction with the locals and their culture. Cyprus would probably love to be known for more than just a sunny island. For example, Malta, can be seen to have a similar geological situation and climate but yet draws in a different type of tourists. So, what exactly is it about Malta that distinguishes it from Cyprus. The answer to this question partly might have been determined by history. Malta, in the past decades has profited from political stability that has allowed for the island to develop and flourish its trade, infrastructure and tourist sector whereas Cyprus, obviously has not benefited the same circumstances. The question looming ahead is whether Cyprus will manage to get rid of its social and political baggage and through new image branding will succeed to acquire the desired type of tourism to take it to the next level.
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