The Cypriot Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, expressed optimism about the German market despite current challenges in the aviation sector and the negative outlook of the German economy. This statement was made following his completion of meetings in Germany as the head of the Cypriot delegation at the ITB Berlin tourism fair.

According to a press release from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Koumis held a series of meetings with heads of tourism organizations specializing in or actively engaged in the German market, as well as with representatives of airlines.

It is noted that during the fair, the Deputy Minister also had political meetings with the Greek Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, the Israeli Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, and the Maltese Minister of Tourism, Clayton Bartolo.

In statements after concluding his meetings, Mr. Koumis mentioned that "we came here to Germany aiming to maintain the gains of the previous year from this significant market."

He noted that "from our meetings, it has become apparent that we can be optimistic, despite the significant challenges we face this year. For example, the unprecedented situation in the aviation sector negatively affects flight schedules to many destinations, including our country, as well as other negative factors, such as the situation of the German economy, which is essentially on the verge of recession."

Mr. Koumis expressed hope that the current issues in Germany, "referring to the strike actions in the air transport sector and transportation in general," will soon be resolved. He also stated that regarding 2025, the messages are positive, and what remains is to continue contacts aiming to increase the offered seats if the conditions in the aviation sector allow.

"We, as the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, will continue our multifaceted efforts to increase tourist flows to our country," concluded Mr. Koumis.