Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis on Friday said there were grounds for cautious optimism in the tourism sector for the second half of the year.
He specified the government will continue to support every initiative that enhances the quality, sustainability, and competitiveness of tourism.
“We are pleased to observe in recent weeks a trend toward the gradual normalization of the situation, which allows for cautious optimism regarding the course of the second half of the year.”
In his address at the Larnaca Tourism Board (ETAP) symposium, the Deputy Minister said that this initiative “highlights the importance of cooperation, continuous dialogue - both at the national and local levels - and the value of joint actions in shaping a strong and sustainable future for our country’s tourism sector.”
'Unprecedented conditions'
Koumis said that ETAP's contribution to promoting Larnaca as a modern, authentic, and competitive destination "is particularly important and demonstrates in practice the value of cooperation between the state, local authorities, and tourism professionals."
In his speech, Koumis referred to this year’s tourism season, which, as he said, “is unfolding in a complex and relatively unprecedented environment that has undoubtedly become more complicated due to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.”
He added that, although 2026 began under the most favorable conditions, with January and February recording further increases in arrivals and Cyprus heading toward a third consecutive tourism record, geopolitical developments in the wider Middle East region inevitably affected our country’s tourism sector, particularly during March and April.
Larnaca on the rise
However, the Deputy Minister of Tourism noted that “we are pleased to observe in recent weeks a trend toward the gradual normalisation of the situation, which allows for cautious optimism regarding the second half of the year. As the Deputy Ministry of Tourism we remain in continuous coordination with all of our country’s strategic partners, stakeholders, airlines, tour operators, and the hotel industry, monitoring developments on a daily basis.”
Koumis continued by saying that Cyprus is a safe, high-quality, and authentic destination, with significant comparative advantages that have established it as one of the leading destinations in the Mediterranean. Larnaca, in particular, has demonstrated exceptionally dynamic growth in recent years, he added.
He also noted that “the significant investments being made in the city and the district, the upgrading of infrastructure, the strengthening of the hotel sector, and the promotion of the city’s and district’s authentic characteristics through initiatives by the local ETAP and the private sector have undoubtedly enhanced the competitiveness of Larnaca as a tourist destination.”
Addressing challenges
He further noted that “the tourism sector is once again being tested by external factors that occur outside its framework and sphere of influence," adding that “with cooperation, coordination, collective effort, adaptability, and commitment to our strategic goals, I am confident that we will continue to effectively address any new challenges that may arise.”
Koumis concluded by stating that “as the government and as the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, we will continue to stand by the professionals of the sector, supporting every initiative that strengthens the quality, sustainability, and competitiveness of Cypriot tourism,” adding that the same commitment applies to Larnaca, which has been designated European Capital of Culture 2030.
Source: CNA
