Towards Sustainability: Tourism in the Republic of Cyprus - Term Paper Example

? Towards Sustainability: Tourism in the Republic of Cyprus Towards Sustainability: Tourism in the Republic of Cyprus Overviewof the Tourism Activities in Cyprus Tourism plays a very fundamental role in our lives. Tourism has both a positive and negative impact on the local community. Tourism developments across the globe bring significant impacts on the economy. A phenomenon attracts both the young and the old as they enjoy travelling and discovering new things across the world. Notably, tourism is a major economic factor as it derives foreign revenue into the reference nation. Indeed, various communities rely on tourism to bring economic growth and stability into the community. Nevertheless, many people overlook the potential and environmental impact that tourism brings to a society. In fact, various confirm that many of Less Developed Countries (LDCs) engage in unsustainable tourism development, which generates irreversible and adverse effects that lead to social, cultural, and environmental challenges on the reference economy. Nevertheless, various communities and governmental agencies like European Union and United Nations agencies have been trying to promote sustainable tourism development across the world. However, the LCDs manifest lack of concern to these interventions to lack of knowledge and commitment towards sustainable tourism development and hence the continued unsustainable tourism development. Notably, tourism activities in Cyprus are prone to these dynamics. The republic of Cyprus is a dominant tourist destination because it is seemingly located between three continents where it is at the top right hand corner of the Mediterranean and it is very close to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Before the contemporary development and planning of tourism, the republic of Cyprus had many tourism activities but it was yet to reach maximum development (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). Indeed, there were more than 21,000 visitor arrivals and 4000 beds between 5 towns in Cyprus (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is responsible for the tourist planning and research and the development and marketing of the tourist product in Cyprus (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2013). Established in 1969 by the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) is a statutory body whose main aim was to organize and promote tourism in the Republic of Cyprus, by using all possibilities and resources available (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). The CTO does not offer travel agent services but focuses on offering assistance to professional bodies, companies and individuals who have an interest in Cyprus' tourism with an overall goal of enhancing economic growth in Cyprus (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2013). Indeed, the CTO had a policy that consistently aimed at attracting high and middle-income visitors to the exclusion of mass tourism (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). Another body that regulated tourism in Cyprus is the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. This ministry had a mandate of formulating and implementing Government policy on matters pertaining to trade, industry, tourism, and Consumer, in such a way that it will contribute positively towards the further development of the Cyprus economy and the well-being of the population of the island (Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, 2013). The factors affecting tourism activities in Cyprus include the Turkish invasion that occurred in 1974 placing a hold on all economic activity in Cyprus. The invasion sought to divide Cyprus in to two by invoking the Treatee of Guarantee (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). This jeopardized tourism development in Cyprus as the island lost a huge part of its territory as well as its potential in manufacturing and agriculture. Indeed, there was a closure of most accommodation, entertainment, and catering buildings as well as airports, which limited access top various place in Cyprus (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). This lowered the tourist levels and forced the government to consider managing the development of tourist facilities away from beach (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). Social and Cultural Impacts of Tourism The social and cultural impacts of tourism refers to the various ways that tourism contributed to changes in value systems, individual behaviour, family relationships, collective lifestyles, moral conduct, creative expressions, traditional ceremonies, and community organizations (Witt, 1991). The residents of the republic of Cyprus have a welcoming attitude towards all foreigners visiting the country (Witt, 1991). As such, Cyprus has a hospitality culture that fostered tourism prior to the contemporary development and planning of tourism. Moreover, the residents has an appreciating aspect towards personal achievement as enshrined in its culture emphasizes ideologies and value systems (Witt, 1991). Furthermore, tourism has had adverse effects on the social and cultural values in Cyprus as the residents lose their identity to the visitors. As a result, there has been increased growth of resentment towards tourists that forced the Cyprus Government and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to develop a tourist policy aimed at the middle and high-income groups (British Council, 2013). On the other hand, the Cypriot youth had continued interactions with young foreign tourists, which made them to adopt different sets of values on morality, style of dressing and so on, in comparison with prevailing traditional attitudes, and as a result, the bonds of closely knit families are in some cases being loosened (Witt, 1991). Ideally, the development of tourism in Cyprus resulted to the immense demand for traditional crafts and handicrafts, which revitalized the Cyprian culture. Additionally, the tradition of the pottery industry took place far away from the tourist resorts but the situation changed where tourists started visiting the artisans thus fostering tourism in Cyprus. Other cultural aspects welcomed tourists that included leather making, jewelry, weaving, embroidery, and basketry (Witt, 1991). More so, the demand for drama performances, flower shows, art festivals, and folklore dances were subject to the growth of tourism in Cyprus (Witt, 1991). Environment Impact The environment provides the platform for all tourism activities especially in Cyprus. The geographic location of Cyprus near three continents acted as a catalyst for tourism in Cyprus. Moreover, the presence of a good climate, beautiful scenery, and unique landscape features influenced tourism activities by encouraging more people to visit Cyprus (Witt, 1991). Indeed, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers from mid-May to mid-September and rainy, rather changeable winters from November to mid-March. These environmental conditions attracted many tourists to Cyprus. Furthermore, the environmental conservation and popularity of specific localities, regions, or countries also fostered tourism in Cyprus (Witt, 1991). Moreover, the Cyprus government and the CTO sought to reinforce tourism activities by focusing on preserving old historic buildings and excavating and restoration archaeological monuments. Another environmental factor that affected tourism related to the specialist holidays concentrating on flora and fauna, which attracts visitors to see the island’s birds, flowers, and trees (Witt, 1991). Nevertheless, tourist development damaged the environment largely between 1977 and 1984 (Witt, 1991). Economic Impact of Tourism The substantial economic development that occurred in Cyprus by the late 1980s and the improvements in the country’s infrastructure such as roads, ports, airports, electricity, and telecommunications fostered tourism activities in Cyprus (Witt, 1991). The transformation in the country’s economy sought to improve the performance of the tourism sector. On the other hand, tourism enhanced the economy by generating employment opportunities. Nevertheless, tourism led to inflationary pressures where rich tourists could afford to buy items at high prices, and thus retailers increased their sources (Witt, 1991). Tourism also led to increasing land values as the demand for land to construct tourist buildings increased. Furthermore, the seasonality that emanated from tourism affected the economy as many hotels closed during the off-season while others operated with low occupancy rates (Witt, 1991). Nevertheless, tourism enhanced economic growth as it increased government revenues. As such, there as need for planning and development for purposes of establishing a sustainable tourism policy from an economic approach. Political Impact The unity in Cyprus after gaining independence from the British in 1960 enhanced tourism. However, the invasion by Turkey, which partitioned Cyprus in July 1974, affected tourism activities in Cyprus as it withheld all economic activities in Cyprus (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). This jeopardized tourism development in Cyprus as the island lost a huge part of its territory as well as its potential in manufacturing and agriculture. Furthermore, the closure of most accommodation, entertainment, and catering buildings as well as airports limited access to various place in Cyprus (Harrison & Husbands, 1996). As such, there was need for an integrated plan to address the political impact on tourism. Contemporary Tourism Planning Process WTO’s Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code define the right of everyone to rest and leisure. The government of Cyprus, the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO), and the World Tourist Organization (WTO) conducted the contemporary tourism planning process. The CTO had the responsibility of organizing and promoting tourism within the Republic by using all possibilities and resources available (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2013). Moreover, the CTO provided assistance to professional bodies, companies, and individuals who have an interest in Cyprus' tourism (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2013). WTO carried out an extensive research survey to identify speci?c policies and tools applied in their territories that had e?ectively contributed to making their tourism sector more sustainable (United Nations Environment Programme, 2005). The WTO and CTO approved the achievement of sustainable development of the tourist sector in Cyprus, which sought to enhance the natural, cultural, and social environment (UNEP, 2005). In formulating the contemporary tourism plan, there were extensive consultations with all stakeholders and organized groups in tourism as well as Government Departments, Local Authorities and the public- at- large to ensure consensus and ownership of the strategic goals (UNEP, 2005). Then there was a monitoring mechanism where there were progress reports on a regular basis. There was an encouragement to adopt quality and environmental standards in tourist establishments (UNEP, 2005). More so, there was an incentive scheme for small and medium enterprises for the encouragement of investment in agro tourism which led to the restoration of traditional houses and their conversion into accommodation units; traditional restaurants; workshops for handicrafts; theme routes; theme museums; information centers (UNEP, 2005). The plan was effective in reviving tourist activities in Cyprus. However, WTO and CTO should have done a pilot project to establish the weaknesses of the plan for purposes of improvement. Strategies for Moving Cyprus toward Sustainability with Its Tourism Industry To enhance sustainability in the tourism industry, Cyprus should follow three strategies, which include the tourism policy, land use planning regulation, and environmental management. The tourism policy will include efforts geared towards sustainable tourism through enhancing natural, cultural, and social environment. To achieve this, the government will have to invest heavily in tourism, develop infrastructure, and develop regulations that will foster tourism. This will also include marketing and promoting the country as a tourism brand. The other strategy may relate to land use-planning regulation, which will seek to preserve the environment, upgrade the synthetic environment, and improve the quality of the landscapes for purposes of attracting tourists. Ultimately, the tourism industry should embrace environmental management, which will include environmental conservation, environmental impact assessment, and environmental legislation, and improvement of certain areas like parks, golf courses, and beaches. Financial Analysis of the Tourism Industry in the Cyprus Today and a Future Projection The tourism industry in Cyprus supports 20% of GDP (income) and employs 40,000 people. In the recent times, the number of tourists in Cyprus is on a decline and the CTO is seeking ways of improving the situation. By the end of October 2013, the Passenger Survey, revenue from tourism reached €246.6 million compared to €211.5 million in the corresponding month of the previous year, recording an increase of 16.6% (Ministry of Finance, Statistical Service, 2013). Moreover, the Passengers Survey, arrivals of tourists reached 81.542 in November 2013 compared to 84.020 in November 2012, recording a decrease of 2.9%, which also led to a decrease of 2.5% in tourists’ arrivals for the period between January to November 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 (Ministry of Finance, Statistical Service, 2013). Nevertheless, the economy of Cyprus is a high-income economy. However, subject to various factors like the Cypriot financial crisis (EU-27Watch.org, 2013), we can expect the revenues from tourism to decline in 2014. Comparing and Contrasting Tourism in Cyprus and Zanzibar Both tourist destinations have beaches and islands. While Cyprus situates in Mediterranean Sea, Zanzibar situates in the Indian Ocean. Both tourist destinations have suffered from economic crisis where Zanzibar experienced a decline in the spice trade, growing population while Cyprus suffered from the Cypriot financial crisis. In both countries, tourism is the backbone of the economy. Both countries have a warm climate that attracts tourists although Zanzibar experience heavy storms in April/May and November (ZATI, 2010). While tourism is seemingly increasing in Zanzibar, Cyprus is experiencing a decline in tourist arrivals. Both countries have a plan to revive tourism where they invested in infrastructure, environmental conservation, and cultures. Cyprus has a tourism sustainability plan while Zanzibar has the Indicative Tourism Master Plan for Zanzibar and the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI, 2010). Both plans seeks to assess the evolving tourism industry with respect to government and stakeholders desires, the institutional structure, the environmental constrains and cultural diversity for purposes of achieving sustainable tourism development (The United Republic Of Tanzania, 2003). References UNEP. (2005). Cyprus Sustainable Tourism. Retrieved from: http://www.unep.org/GC/GCSS-IX/Documents/Cyprus-new-THEME-2E.pdf British Council. (2013). Tourism in Cyprus. Retrieved from: http://www.britishcouncil.org/professionals-exams-ielts-reading-3.htm Witt, S. (1991). Tourism in Cyprus. Retrieved from: http://myplateoryours.typepad.com/files/tourism-in-cyprus-balancing-the-benefits-and-costs-1.pdf Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism. (2013). Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism. Retrieved from: http://www.mcit.gov.cy/mcit/mcit.nsf/dmlindex_en/dmlindex_en Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2013). Tourism in Cyprus. Retrieved from: http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/Embassies/MoscowEmbassy.nsf/DMLtourism_en/DMLtourism_en?Opendocument Ministry of Finance, Statistical Service. (2013). Latest Figures: Revenue from Tourism, Oct 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/548CE9931FCD75D3C2257BF200457826?OpenDocument&sub=1&sel=1&e=&print Ministry of Finance, Statistical Service. (2013). Latest Figures: Tourism Arrivals, Nov 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/cystat/statistics.nsf/All/14DB49321D17B7FFC2257BD7003FEEFE?OpenDocument&sub=1&sel=1&e=&print Harrison, L., & Husbands, W. (1996). Practicing Responsible Tourism: International Case Studies in Tourism Planning, Policy, and Development. New York: Wiley, John & Sons. United Nations Environment Programme. (2005). Making Tourism More Sustainable. Retrieved from: http://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/DTIx0592xPA-TourismPolicyEN.pdf EU-27Watch.org. (2013). Economic crisis hits Cypriot tourism and construction industry. Retrieved from: http://www.eu-27watch.org/?q=node/93 Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors. (2010). Arusha Round Table – Responsible Tourism Partnerships. Retrieved from: http://www.roundtableafrica.net/getattachment/Round-Tables/Tourism-Round-Table-Tanzania/Tourism-Round-Table-in-Arusha-(Tanzania)-on-June-3/PPT_ZATI.pdf.aspx The United Republic of Tanzania. (2003). Indicative Tourism Master Plan for Zanzibar and Pemba. Retrieved from: http://www.zanzibartourism.net/docs/masterplan.pdf Read More