Tourism

The beautiful beach of Famagusta was however, by far the city's greatest attraction. After independence, the development of the tourist industry became the city's primary source of income. The difficult political situation of the 1950's had not been conducive to the development of tourism beforehand.

International tourism discovered Famagusta after 1963 and soon enough Famagusta 's seafront became the most cosmopolitan destination on the island. In figures, Famagusta numbered 923 rooms in 1967, or 15% of the total number of rooms in Cyprus , whereas in 1974 this figure had climbed to 57%, i.e. in 8 years time, the number of rooms had reached 10,331- indeed a remarkable achievement.

The development of the tourist industry had very beneficial effects for the construction industry and moreover, supplied many jobs to the local population, in particular with respect to services related to tourism. A great number of people came to Famagusta on a daily basis, primarily for work. This greatly enhanced the economy of the city and assured a steady rise in its living standards.

Famagusta Beach Photo: Courtesy Takis Mourettos	Famagusta Beach Photo: Courtesy Takis Mourettos
Famagusta Beach, Night shot Photo: Courtesy Takis Mourettos	Famagusta Beach Photo: Courtesy Takis Mourettos
Famagusta Beach Photo: Courtesy Takis Mourettos	Famagusta Beach Photo: Courtesy Takis Mourettos
Famagusta "20 photographs from the occupied areas" by Jack Iacovides, Editions Bank of Cyprus	Famagusta Beach, Night shot
Famagusta Beach	The Sandy Beach