Nicosia: The data show a steady and gradual recovery in tourist arrivals, said Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis, noting that data on tourism trends must be evaluated calmly and without hasty conclusions. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, Koumis emphasized the impact of recent geopolitical developments on tourist traffic, which he stated is a phenomenon also observed in other destinations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Koumis highlighted that comparing the current year with 2025, a record year for Cypriot tourism, should be done with caution due to the high baseline set previously. He stressed the importance of viewing the overall picture rather than focusing on short-term fluctuations, as flight schedules proceed as normal and the tourist season continues with steady recovery in tourist flows.
Koumis assured that the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with industry stakeholders to bolster Cyprus' image as a high-quality, safe, and reliable destination. He acknowledged the challenges but dismissed excessive pessimism, citing the resilience and adaptability of Cypriot tourism.
He also noted the promising start to 2026, with January and February being the best months in the history of Cyprus' tourism sector. With the onset of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East from March 1, the ministry has been proactive in maintaining air connections and enhancing relationships with strategic partners to promote Cyprus abroad.
Koumis stated that Cyprus is open to visitors from over 40 countries, though geopolitical tensions may affect arrivals from more distant nations. Despite these challenges, the Deputy Ministry remains cautiously optimistic about the sector's recovery as the year progresses. He acknowledged a decline in arrivals from certain markets but noted that this was anticipated given the strong upward trajectory of Cypriot tourism over the past three years.