BUOYED by a strong increase in tourist arrivals to Cyprus from the UAE during the past five years, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation has announced the opening of a new visa processing centre in Dubai.
Cyprus ambassador Costas Papademas said: “We’ll do everything possible to facilitate travellers and to promote tourism and business between Cyprus and the UAE”.
The visa application centre is located in Atrium Centre, next to Citi Bank on Bank Street in Bur Dubai. VFS Global, a specialist partner for diplomatic missions worldwide and part of the Zurich-based Kuoni Travel Group, will provide support for those requiring visas to travel to Cyprus.
In general, tourism arrivals to Cyprus rose by 4.3 per cent in August compared to the same period last year and increased 0.7 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2010.
Tourism accounts for almost 12 per cent of Cyprus’ gross domestic product. Visitor arrivals in August rose to 304,264 from 291,583 in the same month in 2009.