Belgrade: The Republic of Cyprus, participating for the first time as the honored country at the Sajam Turizma 2026 tourism fair in Belgrade, has reached an agreement with Serbia to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of tourism in the coming months, announced Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus' participation as the honored country at the fair was a decision made during President Nikos Christodoulides' visit to Belgrade last April, in agreement with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Koumis highlighted the significance of the Belgrade tourism fair, describing it as a key event for the Serbian public and tourism operators across the Balkans. He noted that Cyprus received the highest honor by being the honored country for the first time, a status agreed upon by the presidents of both nations.
Koumis expressed satisfaction with the engagements at the fair, emphasizing the importance of maintaining last year's achievements and aiming for increased tourist arrivals during the winter season. He mentioned the Serbian government's strong interest in enhancing cooperation, particularly in tourism, and discussed sports tourism with Serbian officials, including Minister of Tourism and Youth Husein Memic and Minister of Sports Zoran Gajic.
Koumis confirmed an agreement to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation in tourism, to be finalized in Cyprus with Husein Memic present. The fair, which opened on February 19, was inaugurated by Serbia's Prime Minister Djuro Macut alongside Koumis, with Memic and other officials in attendance.
During his visit, Koumis engaged with Serbian political and tourism representatives, as well as Air Serbia and tour operators, and provided interviews to Serbian media. He was joined by Cyprus' Ambassador to Belgrade Andreas Fotiou and officials from the Deputy Ministry.
The Deputy Ministry noted the unveiling of a new look for its tourism pavilions at the fair, showcasing Cypriot tradition and nature through innovative technology and hosting activities to promote Cypriot gastronomy and hospitality. Twenty Cypriot tourism businesses and organizations participated in the pavilion.
The Serbian market saw a record 63,000 tourist arrivals in 2025, a 57% increase from the previous year, with arrivals at 21,000 in 2022. Koumis highlighted the Serbian market's importance for Cyprus tourism and the country's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.