Cyprus managed the tourist crisis in a successful manner because of the excellent cooperation between the public and private sectors, Tourist Deputy Minister Costas Koumis said Friday. He also pointed out that the decrease recorded during the first seven of the year was limited to 8%, and it is estimated that the annual decline will stand around 5%.
Koumis participated in a meeting with representatives of the Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company, the Limassol hoteliers and local authorities, to discuss the challenges and prospects of the tourism sector of the city.
He spoke of the cooperation between public and private sectors, noting that we all have a responsibility to ensure that tourism industry operates effectively and efficiently, and that our country remains a competitive destination.
He referred to the crisis that all had to handle due to the war and tension in the region that resulted in thousands of cancellations, pointing out that that ‘we managed it very successfully’.
Koumis referred to data saying that the decrease for June was around 1% and slightly above 1% for July. He said that estimations show that figures will be higher than in 2024.
Speaking in particular about Limassol, he noted that its share of the tourism product has remained around 12% for years. He went on to say that each geographical area of the island ought to highlight its comparative advantages and strive for its share in the market.
He referred specifically to the village of Pissouri in the Limassol district and the new museum that will be set up there. He said that such sites will become comparative advantages for the tourism product of the city and district of Limassol.
Asked about the sea pollution in Limassol Koumis said that this is an issue under the competence of the Shipping Deputy Ministry and that they are in constant contact as regards the problem.
He noted that Cyprus’ waters are one of the country’s comparative advantages, adding that we have a duty to safeguard the high quality of the island’s seas.
Chair of the Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company Andreas Tsouloftas said that the aim of the meeting was to set up a plan for the upcoming period and how best to promote the tourism product of Limassol city and district.
He explained that over the years smaller hotels have been converted into other types of premises, such as residential units, resulting in a loss of bed capacity.
He stressed the fact that Limassol attracts tourists with higher income levels.
Head of Limassol hoteliers Christos Tsanos said that the goal is for Limassol to maintain its current standard. He said that the Hoteliers Association has a multi-faceted campaign and is in contact with other bodies and organizations with the aim of strengthening their marketing committee on various levels.