Cyprus faces the risk of losing the Israeli market, its second-largest tourist source, if the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues into the new season, warned Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis. He noted that while the Deputy Ministry is actively seeking alternatives to offset potential losses, the task remains daunting.

"Given the ongoing situation in Israel, or if the war persists into the next tourist season, we risk losing our second-largest market," Koumis stated, addressing journalists' queries post-Cabinet meeting. He emphasized the unique characteristics of the Israeli market – a significant contributor with 368,000 arrivals by September's end, notable for short stays averaging 4.7 days. This market, he stressed, aligns with Cyprus' long-term tourism strategy of promoting short breaks, making it irreplaceable.

The Deputy Minister clarified that while he's not anticipating a loss of 400,000 arrivals – the approximate market size – it's a market with unparalleled traits.

Regarding contingency plans, Koumis revealed that since July, efforts to tap into other markets are underway. Next Monday, he's set to attend London's WTM exhibition, aiming to broaden Cyprus' tourism reach beyond the UK.

He also highlighted Poland, among other countries like the Scandinavian trio, Switzerland, and France, as showing a notable uptick in tourist numbers.

Koumis also announced a €3.6 million project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, to upgrade catering and traditional food outlets. Differing from last year, this initiative now includes all leisure centres with restaurant or tavern licenses, expanding beyond those exclusively offering Cypriot cuisine.

Furthermore, addressing a Limassol cruise industry conference, Permanent Secretary Costas Constantinou conveyed the potential regional repercussions on cruise tourism due to the Middle East conflict. While acknowledging the cruise sector's growing significance for Cyprus's economy and its role in extending the tourist season, Constantinou expressed concern over the situation's potential wider impact.

Maria Deligianni, CLIA's Eastern Mediterranean Director General, speaking online at the conference, echoed these sentiments. She pointed out the Eastern Mediterranean's geopolitical sensitivity, noting the region's unique draw due to its cultural diversity.

Lastly, Lazaros Charalambous, Commercial Director of DP World Limassol, and Paris Demetriou, General Manager of Kition Ocean Port, discussed their respective ports' growth and challenges. Charalambous highlighted the significant visitor increase to Limassol port, forecasting further growth despite geopolitical challenges. He noted that the long-term effects of the war in Israel might become evident in 2025, given the advanced scheduling of cruise itineraries. Meanwhile, Demetriou focused on enhancing Larnaca port's services and promoting the city's rich history and culture.