The scenario is not easy, it requires dedication, weekly analyses, and specific actions from the entire tourism industry, and if these are implemented, we can be moderately optimistic, stated, among other things, Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis, speaking to journalists in London after the contacts he had with strategic partners of Cyprus.
As he mentioned, these meetings are part of a cycle of contacts that he has been holding recently in key markets, with the aim of assessing the course of this year's season and activating actions that will contribute to the course of Cyprus Tourism.
Mr. Koumis acknowledged that the crisis in the Middle East has affected both Cyprus and other tourist destinations in the region. He stressed, however, that the indications so far, especially from the British market, allow the assessment that the losses for Cyprus will be less than initial forecasts.
He made particular reference to the month of May, pointing out that, despite the negative press of previous weeks, it "has not been lost" in terms of tourism.
Clarifying that last year's excellent results, which in any case constitute a historical record, as he said, are not expected, he stressed that despite this, everything indicates that Cyprus will maintain its dynamic presence in the international tourism market.
Regarding the summer season, the Deputy Minister of Tourism noted that estimates remain difficult, as they depend to a large extent on the development and duration of geopolitical tension. He stressed, however, that large tourism organizations are maintaining their programs for Cyprus to a significant extent. A fact that is considered particularly important, as he characteristically emphasized.
At the same time, he described April as a "critical month" for shaping demand, as he said it will largely determine the course of this year's tourism year. Mr. Koumis also underlined the need for continuous monitoring of data and the need for coordinated actions by the entire tourism sector.
Regarding the immediate support measures that his Deputy Ministry will take to limit tourism losses, he said that relevant decisions have already been taken regarding the promotion of Cyprus as a tourist destination, while at the same time journalists and influencers from various countries have been invited to see firsthand the real image of Cyprus and the advantages it offers as a tourist destination.
He noted that these actions will continue in the coming months. Concluding, he stressed that managing this year requires "dedication and systematic analysis of data even on a daily basis," as the tourism environment remains complex and volatile.
