2025 is already looking positive for tourism in Cyprus, according to statements made by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, who participated in the major tourism exhibition World Travel Market (WTM) in London last week. In the company of some major players in the British and international tourism market, Koumis stressed that Cyprus maintains a particularly positive image and is synonymous with trust and safety, especially within the Britsh tourism market.
Response to tourism in Cyprus
The Deputy Minister noted that WTM is one of the most critical tourism exhibitions of the year, as it offers the opportunity both to evaluate the current year and to plan for the next. From the Cyprus booth at the exhibition, which hosted approximately 55 co-exhibitors, Koumis stated that all the official tourism bodies he met over the course of the exhibition expressed positive comments about Cyprus as a tourist destination.
Extending the tourist season
The Deputy Minister stressed that the British market remains the most important tourist market for Cyprus, with 1.3 million arrivals in 2023. This year an increase of 4.9% has been recorded for the first nine months of the year. However, due to hotel occupancy rates of almost 100% in Cyprus during the summer season, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the British tourism market in Cyprus to develop any further. The Cypriot government therefore, is focusing on extending the tourist season and expanding the number of visitors in the off-peak months.
“We are interested in extending the tourist season and these efforts are bearing fruit, as we are gaining weeks this year,” said the Deputy Minister. The aim is to strengthen the months at the beginning and end of the season, as this expansion will support the sustainability of tourism and provide greater stability to the entire sector.
Continuing problems in the aviation sector
Despite the positive signs, Costas Koumis pointed out that there are still challenges in the aviation sector. Delays in aircraft deliveries by manufacturing companies are affecting flight scheduling for many airlines. Nevertheless, the Deputy Minister expressed his optimism that 2025 will be a successful year, similar to 2023, despite the challenges that may arise.
Artificial Intelligence
Koumis also participated in a WTM Ministerial Summit, where the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on tourism was discussed. AI has the potential to transform the sector, enabling better analysis of visitor preferences, personalized travel planning and more efficient management of tourist flows. These technologies are expected to contribute to further upgrading Cyprus’ tourism offering and increasing its competitiveness as a tourist destination.
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