Accra:Tourist arrivals in September 2026 have set a new record, reflecting a "very promising dynamic" and demonstrating the effectiveness of efforts by the tourism ecosystem, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis. He highlighted that September 2026 was the most successful month for arrivals in Cypriot tourism history, and the period from January to September 2026 marked the second-best performance ever recorded.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Koumis stated that the overall performance in September surpassed all previous records, even exceeding the figures from the previous year. This achievement is now recognized as the most productive September in terms of tourist arrivals in the history of Cypriot tourism.
Koumis noted that although there was an overall decline in results for the January to September 2026 period, the decrease had been reduced to 5.6% compared to the previous year. Additionally, there was an increase of 4.1% and 8.3% compared to 2024 and 2023, respectively.
In addressing the challenges earlier in the year, Koumis explained that the government and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism prioritized maintaining tourism programs amidst a crisis caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This strategic focus was intended to stabilize the sector's performance in subsequent months.
He emphasized that strategic partnerships and adaptive planning in response to geopolitical developments were crucial. Six months into this approach, the tourism sector has not only shown signs of recovery but has also returned to a robust and promising dynamic, affirming the resilience and effectiveness of the tourism ecosystem in Cyprus.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Ministry has already begun planning for 2027, with goals to sustain high-performance levels in the tourism sector and to regain market share in regions affected by external factors. Koumis concluded by underscoring the commitment to achieving quality and sustainable growth, aiming to benefit local communities through the sector's potential.