Cyprus’ deputy tourism minister concluded a round of meetings in Germany on Thursday as part of the ITB Berlin travel fair, saying the island must remain “optimistic but cautious” amid regional instability.
Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis led the Cypriot delegation at the annual tourism exhibition and held talks with major tour operators active in the German market and other key European markets, the ministry said. He also met senior executives from airlines operating extensive flight programs to Cyprus.
Koumis held separate meetings with Luxembourg’s delegation, led by Economy and Tourism Minister Lex Delles, to discuss recent geopolitical developments and ways to strengthen tourism cooperation. He also met Greece’s deputy tourism minister, Anna Karamanli, and World Travel and Tourism Council President Gloria Guevara.
Speaking after the meetings, Koumis said recent events in the Middle East had created a new type of geopolitical challenge for Cyprus as a tourism destination. He said the temporary reduction or cancellation of flights in recent days had been the main concern raised by partners.
Restoring air connectivity remains the government’s top priority, he said, adding that most European airlines are expected to resume normal operations by Sunday, with some already having returned. Carriers from Middle Eastern countries remain the exception.
Koumis said no tour operator or airline had indicated plans to scale back its 2026 programs for Cyprus, describing this as a sign that the island remains a high‑priority destination for both companies and travelers.
He cautioned, however, that it is too early for firm forecasts for 2026, noting that conflicts typically create uncertainty that depends on the duration and intensity of tensions.
Cyprus “was, is and will remain a safe destination,” he said. While some booking cancellations have been recorded, he said they mainly concern the immediate weeks ahead and are not limited to the Eastern Mediterranean, with similar patterns seen — though to a lesser extent — in the western Mediterranean.
“Tourism thrives in an environment of peace, confidence and optimism,” Koumis said. “We must remain optimistic, but also careful.”