In light of recent developments in the Middle East, Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. Costas Koumis, who headed the Cypriot delegation at the well-known ITB Berlin tourism fair, completed his contacts in Germany.
The Deputy Minister held a series of contacts with important strategic partners of our country, and specifically with heads of tourism organizations operating in the German market, as well as in other major markets, while at the same time he held meetings with leading executives of airlines with major flight schedules to our country.
Within the framework of the exhibition, the Deputy Minister of Tourism also met with a delegation from Luxembourg, led by the country's Minister of Economy, Small and Medium Enterprises, Energy and Tourism, Mr. Lex Delles, where the main topic of discussion was of course the recent geopolitical developments, but also ways to strengthen tourism cooperation between Cyprus and Luxembourg at various levels.
The Deputy Minister also had a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Anna Karamanli, where current developments were also analyzed, as well as with the President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Ms. Gloria Guevara.
In his public statement, the Deputy Minister, at the end of the meetings, stated, among other things, the following: "Unfortunately, our country, as a tourist destination, is currently facing a geopolitical crisis, which differs from the crises we had to face in previous years. As the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, we had the opportunity to meet, within the framework of the major tourism exhibition in Berlin, with our country's strategic partners, and of course to discuss the latest developments.
The reduction or cancellation of flight schedules in the past few days has been the biggest problem, and of course the dominant topic of discussion. Restoring air connectivity is currently our main priority. It is very important to emphasize that by Sunday, European airlines will be back, although some have already returned. In essence, almost all airlines have returned, with the exception of airlines from the Middle East.
It is also very important to emphasize that no tour operator or airline has even considered reducing its programs to our country, an indication that our country remains high on the priorities of both airlines and tour operators, and certainly of travelers as well.
In relation to 2026, it is too early to make any reliable estimates. Such conflicts always create uncertainty, which evolves depending on the duration and escalation of the tension.
The most important thing, of course, is that our country is not part of the problem. Cyprus was, is, and will be a safe destination.
In relation to reservation cancellations, there were certainly some cancellations recorded, but they mainly concern this period of time, I mean the immediate next few weeks.
Please note that cancellations are not only recorded in the Eastern Mediterranean region, but cancellations were even recorded in the Western Mediterranean, certainly with less intensity.
We must be optimistic, but also cautious. Tourism thrives in an environment of peace, trust and optimism, and bets are only won when there is a spirit of good will and optimism, and that means safety at the destination.”
