They are asking for a direct air link between Cyprus and China to attract tourists

Ideas, opinions and suggestions for further strengthening the cooperation between Cyprus and China in the field of tourism were exchanged on Monday by the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Kostas Koumis, and the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture of China, Li Qun, at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

According to an announcement by the Press and Information Office, Mr. Li Qun was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus and a small delegation, while it is noted that this is the first time that a Chinese Government official has visited the Vice Ministry of Tourism.

As mentioned, it was agreed to schedule, during the 2nd fortnight of July, an online conference between the two Deputy Ministries and to proceed with the cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

It is added that at the meeting Mr. Koumis, after extolling the characteristics and advantages of Cyprus as a tourist destination, underlined the need for a direct air connection between Cyprus and China.

He also suggested, the announcement continues, that educational tourism be included as discussion chapters, both in the online conference and in the Memorandum of Understanding, placing particular emphasis on our country's effort to become a destination for those interested in improving their knowledge of foreign languages, sports tourism emphasizing that in the past teams from China visited Cyprus for preparation.

It is also reported that Mr. Koumis added that it would be extremely beneficial to create a relevant plan in order to promote the gastronomy of each country, while he extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to participate in the annual tourist exhibition organized in Cyprus.

It is noted that the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Mr. Koumis, in his statements to the media, after the meeting, said that the visit of the Chinese Deputy Minister was a great honor for the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and an excellent opportunity to discuss the possibility of closer cooperation in the field of tourism with the People's Republic of China.

Besides, it is reported that for his part, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture of China, Mr. Li Qun in his statements emphasized the very friendly atmosphere that prevailed throughout the meeting and discussion with his Cypriot counterpart.

"We agreed," said Mr. Li Qun, "that Cyprus and China are countries with a long history and through the evolution of our cultures we have common cultural characteristics and customs, which are very important tourism resources, which can help to to attract tourists from both sides.

The Chinese Vice Minister thanked his Cypriot counterpart for the hospitality and the meeting and invited him to visit China, the announcement concludes.

Source: KYPE