Still not allowed to fly, but tourism companies report tens of percent increase in holiday demand in Cyprus • Hotels have adapted to the Corona's limits  

• Luxury hotel restaurant in Paphos City // Photo: IPA

This summer, one of the most attractive destinations for a vacation abroad for Israelis will be the neighboring island - Cyprus. The reasons for this determination are many, including the excellent situation of low morbidity, short flight time and cooperation that will probably also include Greece. Free of tourists among them.

Photo: Reuters

Cyprus has already announced that it will allow Israeli tourists to enter the country as of June 9, with an updated Corona check from the last 72 hours. On June 20, Israelis will be able to enter Cyprus without the need to present a check. At present, every Israeli who enters Israel from any country in the world is charged with isolation.

A study by the Gulliver tourist website shows that holiday prices for Cyprus have fallen by about 30% compared to last year and the hotels are expected to be filled mainly by Israelis and Greeks, as the agreements are expected to allow only the citizens of both countries to move between them.

Direct flights to Cyprus in August 2019 cost an average of $ 370, this year's direct flight price is around $ 267 per person - a 28% difference. When booking a package that includes a three-night flight and hotel at a five-star hotel, it is even more lucrative - last July's holiday cost an average of $ 533 per person and $ 375 a year, in August the price was $ 635 per person last year and the average price is $ 439 per person. In September, prices remain low and move around $ 399 per person, up from $ 550 last year. It is important to note that there are quite a few promotions on the various sites and it is recommended to conduct a comprehensive market survey before ordering.

Prices are falling

The "Israel Today" test also shows that demand for holidays in Cyprus has risen by 45% in the past week compared to the previous two weeks. There is also a 25% increase in orders.

Quite a few Israelis want to go abroad, but are afraid to fly with dozens of others on the same plane, even though it is only a 45-minute flight. Kahana Group offers Israeli vacationers a four-night vacation, kosher meals, water park entrance, ATV trip and airplane flight. Private at a hilarious price of NIS 3,400 per person The private jet can take in between six and ten passengers, and if you arrive in a group - it can be all yours.

Kahane Group has three hotels, all of which are for the traditional observant public, who emphasize kosher meals and vacations in a more relaxed atmosphere. "Hotel prices have dropped by about 30% with us as well as other hotels. We expect huge demand this year for holidays in Cyprus, expect very high demand for private flights as well, and since reports of relief, we have been receiving huge amounts of inquiries from Israelis who are already closing summer holidays. Cyprus is a charming island, and this summer many Israelis have been waiting for the last months of their long-awaited vacation.

"People think Cyprus is just beaches, but it's far beyond. The Trudos in the center of the island combine stunning views, pleasant weather, wineries, waterfalls and streams. The city's innovative, young Limassol, Paphos combines great shopping with authentic taverns, and Extreme lovers can enjoy ATV trails in the mountains Of course there are also water parks, children's attractions and archeology. Cyprus is small but very interesting, "concludes Kahane.

Redo Stefan Matroy, Israeli CEO of the prestigious Elmira Hotel, made preparations for the arrival of the Israelis: "We have three hotels in the Thanos group, and all of them will be able to order kosher food. One is just 100 meters from the center of Chabad, and we are aware of the needs of the Israeli public. Prices this summer will be significantly lower than we have seen in recent years, and Cyprus itself is considered one of the safest in the world, with very few cases of corona infection and only a few deaths. "The hygiene in Cyprus in general and in our hotels in particular is very high, and there is a great concern here. Our dining rooms are mostly open-air, keeping a distance between the tables and meeting all the requirements of the Cypriot Ministry of Health. And the important question - the pools in Cyprus will be open this summer."

Also for the fancy lovers

Cyprus is considered a cheap and near destination, but there are those who choose to make this vacation a grand one. At Kava Group, private yachts offer a price of 7,000-40,000 euros per week, per yacht, private flights priced at $ 8,000-15,000 toward an entire plane or luxury villa per week for $ 3,000-28,000, depending on how pampered and how deep your pocket is. If you arrive in an organized group, such a vacation will cost $ 1,500-2,000 per person.

Sharon Cohen, owner of Cava Group, addressed the limited options of Israeli resorts this summer: "Routine without corona countries like France, Italy and the UK attract millions of tourists each summer. Due to the epidemic, the show is expected to steal the show this summer, and tourists, the island countries. Cyprus, for example, is expected to enjoy a particularly busy season, with low morbidity and the nature of vacations allowing the island to import many tourists and picking the 'plague' fruits.

"The villas, yachts and private jets, which are often the richest of the wealthy, will become accessible and allow organized tourist groups and large families vacations at low cost. The social. Villas with private pools, luxurious yachts, nature-based tours and a host of marine attractions are just some of the options the island has to offer. "

"Recovery in tourism"

Cyprus is at the top of searches among Israelis in recent days, according to Gulliver. Ziv Rosen, CEO of the company, referred to a figure we have never seen: "With the gradual return to normal, we see a recovery in the tourism industry. Many countries have announced that they are opening their doors, and airlines are returning to operate flights from Israel. Cyprus, considered a clean destination from Corona, is very much loved by Israelis. The weather, the hotels and the views create an ultimate back-to-back atmosphere. This is a perfect destination both as a family vacation and as a couple vacation. In recent days we have seen a high increase in searches and bookings for this destination, in fact it is alongside Greece at the top of the destinations for the coming summer, and now it is possible to book a vacation or flight at very attractive prices. "