Brexit is causing a lot of uncertainty in tourism this year, while at the same time, fears of a decline in Russian tourists due to a possible further devaluation of the Russian ruble have not disappeared. In addition, the closure of major airlines is affecting the flight schedule to and from Germany, while the rise in competitive markets (which until last year were numb) will be a deterrent to further attracting tourists to our country.
The reservations from our big tourist markets are frozen so far. 2019 will not be an easy year for tourism in our country, and our three major markets are facing challenges (Britain, Russia and Germany).
Speaking to the Liberal, o President of PASYXE Famagusta Doros Takkas He said the Russian market - despite any concerns - would be doing well. According to the Moscow Tourism Fair, three major agencies are keeping their reservations at last year's level, and some are even interested in increasing them. "Last year went relatively well for the Russian market, despite the many special offers that were made," said Mr. Takkas. Instability, he added, is being felt in the British market. "Holidays are not a priority for Britons. At the moment, the reservations are frozen ", commented Mr. Takkas, adding that this year the German market will be tested. Finally, he said that tourists from Scandinavia will be maintained at last year's levels.
Perdios: Our goal last year
Deputy Minister of Tourism Savvas Perdios does not set the bar high. At least for this year, the Undersecretary emphasizes that he will be satisfied if we maintain last year's levels of tourists. As he notes, this will mean that the numbers of arrivals have not been coincidental in recent years. He also described as unnatural the expectation that the increase in recent years will continue this year. "Egypt was close to 10 million last year and 12 million tourists are expected this year. Turkey will attract 40 million tourists this year. You realize that such numbers have been missing from the "bazaar" in recent years and now they are back, "he said.
In fact, the Deputy Foreign Minister, after his visit to the German tourist exhibition, noted that he considers that it will be a difficult year for the German market and attributed it on the one hand to the general economic instability, which began to affect Germany and on the other hand to the bankruptcy of certain airlines. companies.
Hermes Airports is a cool place
Hermes Airports is investing heavily in strengthening our island's air connectivity and finding new partnerships. Both in new destinations and new airlines. "At this stage, there are several uncertainties in the tourism market. We estimate that 2019 will be the year of stabilization of passenger traffic at the approximately 11 million that we recorded last year and we are already working in a coordinated manner on the plans for 2020 ", said Maria Kouroupi, Hermes Airports, Chief Executive Officer of Air Development and Communication.
Famagusta.News / Phileleftheros