Cyprus: Cyprus managed the tourist crisis in a successful manner because of the excellent cooperation between the public and private sectors, Tourist Deputy Minister Costas Koumis said Friday. He also pointed out that the decrease recorded during the first seven months of the year was limited to 8%, and it is estimated that the annual decline will stand around 5%.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Koumis participated in a meeting with representatives of the Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company, the Limassol hoteliers, and local authorities, to discuss the challenges and prospects of the tourism sector in the city. He spoke of the cooperation between public and private sectors, noting that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that the tourism industry operates effectively and efficiently, and that Cyprus remains a competitive destination.

Koumis referred to the crisis that had to be handled due to the war and tension in the region, which resulted in thousands of cancellations, pointing out that they managed it very successfully. He cited data indicating that the decrease for June was around 1% and slightly above 1% for July, adding that estimations show figures will be higher than in 2024.

Speaking specifically about Limassol, he noted that its share of the tourism product has remained around 12% for years. He emphasized that each geographical area of the island ought to highlight its comparative advantages and strive for its share in the market. He mentioned the village of Pissouri in the Limassol district and the new museum to be established there, asserting that such sites will become comparative advantages for the tourism product of the city and district of Limassol.

Asked about the sea pollution in Limassol, Koumis said that this issue falls under the competence of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and that they are in constant contact regarding the problem. He emphasized that Cyprus' waters are one of the country's comparative advantages, adding that it is their duty to safeguard the high quality of the island's seas.

Chair of the Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company, Andreas Tsouloftas, stated that the aim of the meeting was to set up a plan for the upcoming period and determine the best ways to promote the tourism product of Limassol city and district. He explained that over the years, smaller hotels have been converted into other types of premises, such as residential units, resulting in a loss of bed capacity. He stressed that Limassol attracts tourists with higher income levels.

Head of Limassol hoteliers, Christos Tsanos, said that the goal is for Limassol to maintain its current standard. He noted that the Hoteliers Association has a multi-faceted campaign and is in contact with other bodies and organizations with the aim of strengthening their marketing committee on various levels.