FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The 26th International Travel Expo Cyprus, held last week in Nicosia, brought together industry professionals to explore collaboration and innovation in global travel and tourism.
Organized by the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents in partnership with Display Art Plc, the event showcased diverse opportunities in the sector.
The expo featured participants from across the globe, including representatives from India, Cuba, the Maldives, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, and Poland, as well as the Greek National Tourism Organisation and regional groups from Greece.
“Tourism has always been a key pillar of the Republic of Cyprus’ economy and a gateway for cultural exchange,” Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said.
“Travellers nowadays are no longer solely looking for destinations promising relaxation, sun, and sea. They are seeking for quality, safety, authentic hospitality, and they are awarding, through repeated visits, destinations giving emphasis to eco-friendly practices.”
As far as Cyprus tourism, the current year began with a very positive tourism outlook for the Cyprus tourism sector, he said.
“The first quarter of the year records a 7.5% increase in tourism arrivals, promising another very successful year for Cyprus tourism. Nevertheless, what is considered as the greatest challenge for Cyprus tourism nowadays is to keep Cyprus tourism competitive in the long term. We know and understand that this challenge requires cooperation between all the stakeholders of the sector and, of course, investments in sustainable tourism practices.”
Organizers noted the significance of tourism for Cyprus’ economy and highlighted the importance of quality, safety, authentic hospitality, and eco-friendly practices.
Officials reported a 7.5% increase in tourism arrivals in Cyprus for the first quarter of the year, pointing to a positive outlook for 2025.
They also stressed the need for stakeholder collaboration and sustainable investments to ensure the long-term competitiveness of Cyprus’ tourism sector.