Government action plan to make up for the loss of tourists from Russia

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works is preparing an action plan to make up for the loss of tourists from the Russian and Ukrainian markets, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Giannis Karousos said on Friday.

Mr. Karousos, who answered a question from a journalist at the Ministry, noted that it is estimated that tourists from Russia and Ukraine exceed 25% of the total number of tourists.

"This year we expected to have a year close to the 2019 numbers, as the companies' planning has shown that we would have about 90% of the 2019 positions. We would be very close if there was no war," he said, referring to 2019 which was a record year for Cypriot tourism.

"We now know that no matter what happens, the Russian and Ukrainian markets have been lost this year," he said, noting that the ministry was preparing a plan to promote Cypriot tourism in markets that could make up for part of that loss.

"The countries we are targeting are the countries of Europe and the Middle East," he said, noting the work being done in this area by both the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Tourism.

The Minister also referred to the new destinations of the Cypriot airline TUS, which he characterized as "the result of this correct and methodical work that has been done in recent years."

He also noted that there is great interest, both from airlines and from the cruise sector.

"There is interest from the world's largest cruise ships to base the port of Limassol," he said, noting the significant revenue generated by the sector, as he said a cruise ship leaves the economy with at least € 1m a day.

Source: KYPE