Air transportation and tourism interactions and actions for competitive destinations: the case of Cyprus
Journal
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes
Date Issued
August 18, 2022
DOI
10.1108/WHATT-07-2022-0079
Abstract
Purpose – Air connectivity is one of the most important aspects of tourism development, especially for island
state destinations (ISD) which rely on air travel for accessibility. The complexity of the tourism industry
necessitates close interaction among involved stakeholders to ensure successful policy implementation of air
transportation operations that facilitate tourism mobility at a destination.
Design/methodology/approach – In this paper self-administered questionnaires in a structured format
were distributed to 200 managers. Additionally, seven unstructured follow-up interviews were conducted to
enrich the content and better support the conclusions.
Findings – The results of the study suggest that air transportation and connectivity are not fully integrated
with tourism policy and strategy planning. Yet it is crucial that a stakeholder approach is adopted that
accounts for the needs of diverse stakeholders and airline strategies, along with a diversified tourism policy
that can establish Cyprus as year-round destination.
Originality/value – The role of the airline industry in overall tourism strategy and policy is examined and the
unique problems and challenges ISDs like Cyprus face in developing as a tourism destination and overcoming
tourism seasonality are underlined.
state destinations (ISD) which rely on air travel for accessibility. The complexity of the tourism industry
necessitates close interaction among involved stakeholders to ensure successful policy implementation of air
transportation operations that facilitate tourism mobility at a destination.
Design/methodology/approach – In this paper self-administered questionnaires in a structured format
were distributed to 200 managers. Additionally, seven unstructured follow-up interviews were conducted to
enrich the content and better support the conclusions.
Findings – The results of the study suggest that air transportation and connectivity are not fully integrated
with tourism policy and strategy planning. Yet it is crucial that a stakeholder approach is adopted that
accounts for the needs of diverse stakeholders and airline strategies, along with a diversified tourism policy
that can establish Cyprus as year-round destination.
Originality/value – The role of the airline industry in overall tourism strategy and policy is examined and the
unique problems and challenges ISDs like Cyprus face in developing as a tourism destination and overcoming
tourism seasonality are underlined.