Despite numerous challenges this year, Cyprus has managed to record an increase in tourist arrivals and tourism revenues in the first half of the year, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis. He emphasized the role that Local Authorities can play in enhancing the island's tourism sector.

On Thursday, Koumis and his team met with the District Organisation of Local Government, the Mayor and Deputy Mayors of Limassol District, and the Limassol Tourism Company at the Limassol Chamber of Commerce. These meetings aimed to exchange views on developing the country's tourist destinations.

During the meeting, the results of the Tourism Observatory were presented. The Deputy Minister emphasized that "beyond the social agenda and infrastructure projects, every Local Authority must have a tourism agenda."

In his introductory speech, Koumis stated that the Deputy Ministry does not intend to publicize negative information that discredits Cyprus as a tourist destination, indicating that such reports often concern issues of nuisance and cleanliness.

Major tour operators typically highlight Cyprus as a country with good public and private infrastructure, excellent gastronomy, and hospitable people. Koumis noted that in the first half of 2024, there was a 2.4% increase in arrivals compared to last year and a 5.5% increase in revenue.

He stressed the importance of focusing on positive factors rather than minor issues that generate negative publicity. He recalled the negative publicity from the British 'Daily Express,' which was based on a reference during the General Assembly of PASYXE regarding the bankruptcy of the German-based tour operator FTI.

Koumis also discussed a grant scheme for the revival of rural areas, climate change, and the trend of tourists avoiding destinations with very high temperatures. This has led to lower demand in July and August but greater prospects for September and October.

He noted a decrease in the length of visitor stays, with last year's average being 8.6 days and this year's expected to fall below 8 days. This decrease is attributed to the economic situation in Europe, causing people to travel for fewer days to reduce spending, and the increase in visitors from Israel, who typically stay for shorter periods.

Regarding the significant decrease in cruise ship arrivals at the port of Limassol, the Deputy Minister said this was expected due to the war in Israel, as the port of Haifa had operated as a home port for cruise companies.