Nicosia: This year has emerged as a landmark one for Cyprus’s tourism industry, with October recording unprecedented growth in tourist arrivals, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis announced at the annual General Assembly of the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA). Koumis emphasized a remarkable increase in tourist arrivals by over 26% over a two-year horizon.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Koumis highlighted that the country’s tourism potential is mirrored in the significant rise in both tourist arrivals and tourism revenues. Up until October, there was a 4.6% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period last year, and a 26.7% increase over a two-year period. Tourism revenue also saw a notable rise, with a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year and a 31.1% increase over two years. Koumis expressed optimism for 2024, anticipating another successful tourism year barring any unforeseen events.
Koumis stressed the government’s commitment to further enhancing the tour
ism sector, marked by an increase in the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s budget. He also referenced the Ministry of Labour’s ‘training plan for hotel workers in partial or total suspension of operations,’ underscoring its significance for future growth. Additionally, the ministry’s plans aim to revitalize the Cypriot countryside and mountainous areas, promote special forms of tourism, and capitalize on Cyprus’s unique advantages.
Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acknowledged the challenges posed by the Russian market and the situation in Israel but praised the record achievements in tourism. He credited the coordinated efforts of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and stakeholders, including the Association of Tourism Agents, for overcoming these hurdles. Stavrou also addressed the issue of seasonality, advocating for year-round tourism given Cyprus’s favorable climate and connectivity with new markets.
Haris Papacharalambous, President of the Tourism Agents Association, e
choed the positive outlook for 2024, citing substantial growth in inbound and outbound tourism. He noted that smaller markets had compensated for the decline in the Russian market, leading to a more diversified market base. A recent survey revealed that nearly 70% of leisure tourists in 2023 booked through travel agencies, reflecting the critical role of inbound tourism agencies. Papacharalambous also identified ongoing challenges in the industry, such as connectivity, operational costs, staffing issues, seasonality, and competition from occupied territories.