Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis said Cyprus continues to attract interest from international tour operators and airlines despite recent developments in the Middle East. Speaking at the ITB Berlin tourism fair, Koumis commented on the outlook for the tourism sector amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Resilient Airline Programs And Unwavering Interest
During meetings with industry partners, Koumis said airlines and tour operators have not indicated plans to reduce flights to Cyprus. According to the deputy minister, scheduled airline programs currently remain unchanged.
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Addressing A New Geopolitical Landscape
Koumis noted that the situation differs from previous geopolitical developments affecting the region. He said it is still too early to assess the long-term effects of the current crisis.
Prioritizing Air Connectivity
Maintaining air connectivity remains a key priority for the tourism sector. European airlines are expected to resume flights by Sunday, while most carriers have already reinstated their routes. Some airlines from the Middle East have not yet resumed operations.
Fostering Global Strategic Dialogues
At the ITB Berlin event, Koumis also held meetings with representatives of the German tourism market and executives from several airlines. Discussions also included Luxembourg Tourism Minister Lex Delles, Greek Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli and World Travel & Tourism Council President Gloria Guevara. Talks focused on recent geopolitical developments and tourism cooperation with international partners.
A Call For Balanced Optimism
Koumis said that some flight cancellations have been recorded across parts of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. However, he described these changes as short-term developments and said Cyprus continues to operate as a travel destination for international visitors.
