Travel agents in Cyprus have expressed strong disappointment that the travel agency sector was not included in the Government’s economic support plans, according to remarks made during the opening of Travel Expo Cyprus 2026.
The concerns were raised by ACTTA Vice-President Pambos Charalambous during the exhibition’s opening event.
The Travel Expo Cyprus 2026 exhibition was officially opened on Friday by Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianou, who emphasised that Cyprus remains a priority destination for airlines, tour operators and travellers.
Referring to developments in the Middle East, which inevitably affect the country’s tourism sector, the minister stated that the Government continues to strengthen the Cypriot tourism product through the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, supporting initiatives that enhance the competitiveness and international outreach of the sector.
He stressed that Cyprus remains a safe and attractive destination, noting that this year’s exhibition, hosted at the Cyprus State Fairgrounds in Nicosia from 17 to 19 April, provides comprehensive information on travel destinations, holiday packages and organised trips, both abroad and within Cyprus.
He added that the participation of tour operators, airlines, hotels, tourism resorts and representatives of countries such as Greece, Poland and other markets highlights the dynamic and multi-dimensional character of the tourism industry.
Impact of the regional crisis
According to a press release from ACTTA, Vice-President Pambos Charalambous said that despite the difficult conditions created by the geopolitical crisis, this year’s Travel Expo Cyprus 2026 has been significantly upgraded.
The exhibition provides detailed information on popular and emerging travel destinations, a wide range of organised trips, and holiday packages at attractive prices, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Focusing on the impact of the war in the Middle East on Cyprus tourism, he noted that the geopolitical crisis in the wider region has already left its mark, particularly affecting Cyprus.
Regarding outbound tourism, Charalambous stated that Cypriot travel abroad reached 1.96 million trips in 2025, representing an increase of 11.9% compared with the previous year.
He added that the positive trend in tourism continued during the first two months of 2026, with expectations particularly high due to Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of Europe.
However, he said that the war in the Middle East has altered the outlook, with cancellations of existing bookings and the freezing of new reservations, during a period when most travel bookings are traditionally made.
Beyond the closure of airspace, thousands of flight cancellations and declining travel confidence, which may continue to affect bookings even after tensions ease, he noted that the duration of geopolitical instability remains the most decisive factor in preventing a domino effect across economic sectors, not only travel.
He warned that if the volatile situation in the Middle East continues beyond April, the economic pressure on tourism and the broader economy will intensify, potentially shaping the outcome of the 2026 tourism season.
Call for government action
Charalambous stressed that timely and coordinated action by the state is necessary, including:
- Support measures for businesses
- Active promotion of Cyprus as an attractive destination
- Effective management of disruptions in transport and energy costs
- Coherent international communication
He emphasised that only through forward planning and institutional preparedness can Cyprus tourism maintain its momentum and respond effectively to current challenges and future crises.
At the same time, he expressed “great surprise and disappointment” that travel agencies were not included in the Government’s economic support measures related to the consequences of the war.
He added that the sector is doing everything possible to support efforts to restore Cyprus’s tourism image, stressing that support for travel agencies themselves is essential.
Future plans for Travel Expo
Looking ahead, Charalambous expressed hope that the 2027 exhibition will be even stronger, introducing new and innovative developments.
The goal, he said, is to transform the exhibition into a regional tourism celebration, leveraging Cyprus’s strategic geographic and tourism position.
600,000 Cypriots travel to Greece each year
According to the press release, Greek Ambassador to Cyprus Konstantinos Kollias also addressed the event, highlighting that Cyprus and Greece are both major tourism destinations in Europe.
He stated that tourism cooperation between the two countries is not only a strategic choice but also proof of their close relations.
Referring to tourism performance in 2025, he noted that Cyprus recorded 4.5 million tourist arrivals, while Greece welcomed around 30 million visitors.
He also pointed out that more than 600,000 Cypriots travel to Greece each year, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
The ambassador also highlighted the connectivity between Cyprus and Greece, including air links and the ferry connection between Limassol and Piraeus.
Expressing optimism for the upcoming tourism season, he said that Cyprus and Greece remain safe destinations offering high-quality tourism services.
Exhibition information
The Travel Expo Cyprus 2026 exhibition is taking place at the Cyprus State Fairgrounds in Nicosia from 17 to 19 April.
Visiting hours are:
- 17 and 18 April: 16:00 – 22:00
- 19 April: 15:00 – 21:00
Source: CNA