Cyprus airports report record numbers
Passenger flow through airports in Cyprus hit an all-time high last month, suggesting the Mediterranean island is growing in popularity as a holiday destination.

Hermes Airports reported that nearly one million passengers travelled through the two airports in August, an 8.35 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier, despite the extra numbers resulting from the Lebanon evacuation at that time. Larnaca showed the most marked increase, with a 13.44 rise from August 2006.

Jenni Fernando, marketing manager for Hermes Airports said: "We are delighted to see such record numbers at our two airports for August 2007. These figures confirm the continued strength of Cyprus as an attractive destination. "We look forward to continuing to work together with both our business and tourism partners on the island to support the development of employment and the economy of Cyprus."

Both airports have introduced new car parking, more check-in desks, and new retailing and catering outlets to deal with the extra passengers. New passenger terminals will open at Paphos in November 2008 and at Larnaca in November 2009 as part of a €622 million (?423 million) investment programme. This suggests the island will be ready for an upsurge in visitors, who are likely to bring an increased demand for holiday rentals in the coming years.