From cycling to diving — Paphos has more to offer than just beaches

THE Germans might get to Cyprus first this year but when we arrive we’ve been promised a sunbed.

Demos Chrysostomou, groups manager of the 5-star Coral Beach Hotel and Resort in Paphos, told The Sun: “Our first priority is the wellbeing, health and safety of our guests — our second priority is that our British friends get their own dedicated sunbeds.

“This is just one of the measures we are implementing, along with increased hygiene protocols and 48 hours between guests leaving a room and new ones arriving.”

Cyprus, which has had 975 Covid-19 infections and 18 deaths, is seen as one of Europe’s safest travel destinations for avoiding coronavirus after imposing an early lockdown.

Last week airports reopened to countries with relatively low infection rates, such as Germany, with Brits likely to return in mid-July.

Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios said: “Over the last decade, we established the ‘sun and sea’ model, which can now serve as the backbone that allows us to go for more special forms of tourism.” There are many incentives to lure UK holidaymakers beyond the traditional summer window, with firms offering discounts on everything from horseriding to scuba-diving and husky-sledding.