Historical tour of tour-ism in cyprus
Book chapter
The tourist industry in Cyprus, from its early beginning until now, has traveled a path of more than one century. Tourism on the island makes its first steps during the British rule. It establishes itself as an influential industry in the first decades after the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960 and booms in the late 20th century with the rapid development of mass tourism, catering for a number of visitors exceeding three times the country’s population. Over the years, the location, the climate, the natural and cultural wealth of the island plays a key role in the establishment of Cyprus, as a global tourist destination. At the beginning of the British rule in 1878 Cyprus is perceived as an underdeveloped country. Public infrastructure can be characterized as fundamental, ports are neglected, the island’s maritime communication is limited and there are significant health problems. The sense of space due to the primitive roads is expanded and the internal migration between major cities requires more than thirty hours. Under these circumstances, the accommodation on offer is in the form of inns and khans, and operates in towns and intermediate points along the routes of long journey.
