The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, this week expressed optimism for the tourism sector’s performance in 2025, underlining the importance of strategic planning as the industry navigates new challenges and evolving traveler expectations.
Speaking at the opening of the 46th Hotel Conference and Exhibition of Products and Services in Limassol, Koumis emphasized the positive results of 2024.
He said these results reinforced tourism’s critical role in Cyprus’s economy and demonstrated that with the right strategies, even the most significant challenges could be overcome.
During his address, delivered by the Director General of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Costas Constantinou, Koumis acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as geopolitical conflicts and issues in air transport. He also pointed out that Europe, Cyprus’s main tourism market, is expected to be impacted by the new US pricing policy.
Koumis noted that despite these challenges, 2025 is anticipated to be another successful year for tourism.
He stressed the need to shift focus towards the qualitative aspects of tourism rather than merely the quantitative ones. According to him, 2024 marked the end of a significant cycle for Cypriot tourism, and the industry is now entering a new era with different challenges and changed traveler expectations.
To remain competitive, Cyprus must evolve and innovate, he said. Koumis highlighted several challenges facing Cypriot tourism, such as climate change, infrastructure adequacy, workforce shortages, and overtourism. However, he maintained that these challenges could be managed with careful planning, cooperation, and a focus on innovation.
Koumis called for the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and preventive measures to address the threat of climate change.
He advocated for promoting mountainous and alternative destinations on the island with cooler climates and extending the tourist season beyond the summer months. The Deputy Ministry, he said, has already begun implementing actions in this direction and is promoting a green approach where applicable.
He also underscored the need for continuous promotion of Cyprus’s tourism product through innovative actions. These actions should highlight not just the traditional sun and sea experience but also special forms of tourism that respond to the evolving preferences of tourists. Koumis concluded by saying that developing and promoting specific forms of tourism where Cyprus can be more competitive is key to remaining relevant and successful.