Troodos tourism growth hindered by transport access, says regional tourism board president

Limassol, Cyprus. Poor transport links and difficult access to Troodos are the main barriers to further tourism development in the region, according to Etap Troodos president Nikos Matthaiou. He said that despite recent investment in hotel units and the expansion of alternative tourism, access for foreign visitors remains difficult and costly.

Transport access concerns

In an interview with Entrepreneurial Limassol, a periodical published by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Matthaiou said the journey from the airports to Troodos can cost more than the airfare itself.

He said there are currently no direct bus connections linking Larnaca and Paphos airports with the Troodos region.

Proposal for subsidised transfers

Matthaiou said discussions had already taken place with the transport ministry and the deputy tourism ministry. He added that proposals had been submitted seeking subsidised transportation for visitors through the use of rural taxis, but no response has yet been received from the authorities.

Under a proposal prepared by Etap Troodos, tourists staying at least three nights in hotels in the region would be eligible for airport transfers through subsidised rural community taxis.

Support for local economy

According to Matthaiou, the proposal would also support the local economy. He also referred to a pilot collaboration with an hourly car-sharing company that has established a station in Platres.