The UK Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, met with officials and the Mayor of Ayia Napa on Thursday at the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area to discuss the impact of recent regional developments on public perceptions of safety and Cyprus’s tourism sector.
According to a statement from the municipality on Saturday, the meeting also addressed concerns following a recent drone incident within RAF Akrotiri.
Doughty expressed full understanding of the concerns raised, reiterating that Cyprus remains a safe destination for travel and that UK travel advice has not changed.
“There is no threat to Cyprus,” he said, clarifying that references in travel guidance are precautionary in nature and applied broadly to other countries.
Tourism concerns raised
The meeting, held at the office of Dhekelia’s Civil Administrator, also covered broader issues related to security, tourism and the country’s international image.
Participants included the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannetou, UK High Commissioner to Cyprus Michael Tatham, and other British and local officials.
Zannetou presented data indicating a slowdown in tourism bookings, warning of knock-on effects across other sectors of the economy.
“The uncertainty emerging internationally is directly affecting one of the most critical pillars of the Cypriot economy, tourism,” he said.
He stressed the importance of clear, coordinated and evidence-based communication to ensure that visitors receive accurate and reassuring messages, highlighting Cyprus as a safe and attractive destination.
He added that Cyprus remains “a safe, modern and welcoming destination” and that safeguarding this image is essential, particularly at a time when misinformation or generalisations could create unjustified concerns.
Call for stronger communication
Doughty noted that his own journey to Cyprus on a fully booked flight was tangible evidence that the country remains a popular and safe destination.
Dhekelia Civil Administrator Maria Kyriakidou-Pieri highlighted the need to strengthen communication at local, national and international levels, stressing that maintaining public and visitor confidence is key to stability and growth.
The meeting concluded with agreement on the need for close cooperation between authorities and local stakeholders to address challenges effectively and ensure the smooth functioning of the tourism sector.
The Ayia Napa municipality said it would continue working in coordination with all relevant bodies to support the local economy and safeguard Cyprus’s international reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.