Cyprus is looking to make artificial intelligence a key part of its tourism strategy as the government explores ways to improve services, enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the island’s competitiveness.
Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides discussed the plans on Thursday, with the meeting focusing on how AI can support the digital transformation of Cyprus as a tourism destination.
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Smart Tourism Strategy Takes Shape
Skourides’ team presented “Smart Tourism 2032: the Cyprus Artificial Intelligence Strategy” as part of the ongoing public consultation on the country’s national AI strategy.
The consultation is due to close on August 31, 2026. The tourism initiative forms part of the wider effort to determine how AI should be developed and applied across the economy.
Under the proposed strategy, Cyprus would become a “Living Lab” combining advanced technology with its traditional hospitality. The approach is built around three areas: smart tourism infrastructure, smart destination planning and management, and an empowered digital tourist.
Small and medium-sized tourism businesses are also expected to play an important role in adopting new technologies across the sector.
AI To Reshape The Visitor Experience
According to Koumis, AI is already changing tourism, from how visitors research destinations and plan trips to how destinations promote themselves.
“AI has entered the tourism sector dynamically and has already brought visible changes to a series of tourism-related functions, such as information gathering, trip planning and destination promotion,” he said.
The government wants to work with Skourides’ team to use the technology both to improve Cyprus’ competitiveness and enhance the experience offered to visitors.
Koumis said the development of tourism services was increasingly connected to the new capabilities created by AI, adding that Cyprus should make the most of these opportunities.
Tourism Businesses Included In AI Plans
Beyond improving individual services, the strategy aims to give tourism businesses a role in shaping the country’s broader AI framework.
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism wants the sector to participate in the consultation and take advantage of support created through technological development and the expansion of AI.
Ultimately, “Smart Tourism 2032” seeks to combine digital innovation with Cyprus’ established tourism strengths, particularly its reputation for hospitality, while preparing the sector for a more technology-driven visitor journey.
