Pricing yourselves out of the market

Sir,
In the wake of the letter I sent on the matter of flights from regional UK airports to the eastern parts of Cyprus (‘Why are all the northern UK flights to Paphos?’ February 20), I have found that there is a big problem with the flights and availability to Cyprus. I am a member of the MSN Cypruseasternownersandbuyers. Board, and I never realised how big this problem was until members read the letter from me which appeared in your newspaper.

Not only is the eastern side virtually inaccessible in the winter months, but the prices are ridiculous in comparison to other countries.

Take these offers: October half-term Manchester-Larnaca £358 for 7 nights flight only; two-week all-inclusive in a 3/4 star hotel, £1,200.

Cyprus is pricing itself out of the market. Flights and holidays are at ridiculous prices compared to other places. The south of the island could miss out big time if and when the north is opened up to direct flights from other countries.

I think it’s time this situation was investigated: why are prices so high? The ones who are suffering the most are the ordinary business people on the island. Even with all the new properties, you offer your property to family for free and when they see the price of flights they are not bothered about visiting.

Elizabeth Mcphee, Knottingley, West Yorkshire

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.