Nicosia: Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, has welcomed the announcement by the Statistical Service that tourist arrivals last year exceeded 4 million visitors. He noted that 2024 “will remain in history as a reference year for our country’s tourism,” marking a significant achievement for the sector. This announcement, he stated, officially seals the tourism success of 2024.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Koumis emphasized that Cyprus’ tourism exceeded the 4 million visitors barrier for the first time, which he described as a historic achievement. This milestone is also accompanied by another significant accomplishment, as tourism revenues are projected to surpass the 3-billion-euro mark for the first time.
Koumis expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts, particularly given the challenges faced since the beginning of the year. These challenges include geopolitical instability in the Middle East, economic conditions in Europe-which is a primary source of tourists for Cyprus-and difficulties within the aviation sector.
While achieving a record was not the sole objective, Koumis stressed that tourism is more than just statistics on arrivals and revenues. The government’s priority has been to strengthen the resilience of the tourism sector.
Koumis also highlighted the positive impact on thousands of businesses within the country’s tourism industry, noting that most are small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses experienced a prosperous tourism year, contributing to economic resilience within the sector.
He further stated that continued investment in training and improving Cyprus’ tourism product and services is crucial, especially in managing new challenges such as climate change and its effects.
During a press conference addressing a grants scheme, a journalist asked about tourism prospects for 2025. Koumis responded that current indications are positive but cautioned that tourism is heavily influenced by unpredictable external factors. He assured that the government is monitoring these factors to secure another prosperous year for Cyprus’ tourism industry.