FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis’s efforts at ITB Berlin were fruitful, indicating the German market will continue to grow in 2025 with more airline seats on offer.
Koumis met with key tourism and airline executives, and held discussions with Malta’s Deputy PM Ian Borg and Israel’s Tourism DG Dani Shahar, addressing Mediterranean tourism challenges.
Plans for events in Cyprus with tourism organizations were also set, including Austrian pensioners’ gatherings in 2026 and 2027, each expected to attract over 1500 visitors. The upgraded Cyprus pavilion, at 450 sq m, featured over 50 co-exhibitors.
Koumis highlighted the importance of the German market, noting its size and the profile of German tourists. Last year, German tourists accounted for 5.7% of Cyprus’s visitors, with the best performance in 1997.
“Our goal in Berlin was to lay the foundations for maintaining the upward trajectory of the German market,” said Koumis. He added that the evaluation from strategic partners is positive, praising the level of service, hospitality, and infrastructure in Cyprus.
Earlier this week, Louis Hotels earned spots in TUI’s Top 100 Best Hotels worldwide.
The recognition was announced by TUI Group, Europe’s largest tourism group, at a ceremony in Berlin on March 3.
Louis Hotels’ Ivi Mare, Infinity Blu, and The King Jason Protaras were among the honored hotels. The award is based on guest satisfaction, comments, and evaluation reports over the past year. Out of the 100 award-winning hotels, 10 are located in Cyprus, with Louis Hotels winning three of them.
ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, has been a pivotal platform for the global travel and tourism industry since 1966.