The UAE's tourism market is on a steady upward trajectory for Cyprus, as highlighted by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, who emphasized the increasing importance of Middle Eastern and Asian countries in Cyprus' tourism strategy.

In his statements following the completion of meetings at both the Arabian Travel Market and the AIM Congress, Mr. Koumis noted that discussions about new promotional actions "are now definitely on the path to implementation."

According to a press release from the Deputy Ministry, Mr. Koumis led a delegation at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, which included partners from the tourism industry. The announcement detailed meetings with travel agents and airlines aimed at increasing tourist flows from the UAE and generally from Middle Eastern countries, as well as enhancing our country's air connectivity with existing and new destinations. Specific meetings were held with senior executives from airlines like Jazeera, Gulf Air, and Air India.

The delegation also participated in the 13th Annual Investment Conference "AIM Congress 2024" in Abu Dhabi, focusing on "Adapting to a changing investment landscape: harnessing new potential for global economic development," under the patronage of UAE Minister of Commerce, Tani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, with whom Mr. Koumis had a private meeting.

During the AIM Congress 2024, the Cypriot mission, under the Deputy Minister's auspices, conducted meetings and networking sessions with leading figures in the tourism and investment sectors. The Deputy Ministry described the meeting with the head of the International Investors Council of the UAE and officials from the investment management unit of the UN Tourism Organization as extremely significant.

Mr. Koumis commented, "It's important that another very interesting market for our country remains on a steady upward trajectory. Last year, arrivals from the UAE increased by 14%, and we are pleased to foresee a notable increase this year as well," he added, noting that the focus of discussions was on the outlook for the next year or rather the coming years.

"The countries of the Middle East, as well as those of Asia, undoubtedly deserve more attention," he said, adding, "We have discussed potential new promotional actions which are now certainly on the path to implementation."

Regarding the Indian market, Mr. Koumis noted there is interest for the near future, but much depends on the evolving plans within the companies that have shown interest in our country.

"From our side," he continued, "the only certainty is that we are proceeding with a plan to boost demand from this specific country, with a clear focus on certain specialized forms of tourism."

Regarding the investment sector, the Deputy Minister of Tourism mentioned that significant contacts were made during the Annual Investment Meeting, where potential strategic partnerships with the UAE in the investment sector were substantially confirmed.

"I consider the meeting with the International Investors Council of the country as well as the establishment of a basis for starting a good cooperation as extremely important," he concluded.