The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, described last September as the best September in the history of Cypriot tourism in terms of tourist arrivals, during the presentation of the Deputy Ministry’s budget for 2027 to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance.
He added that for the first nine months of the year, arrivals were down by only 5.6% compared to the previous year, while still recording an increase of 4.1% and 8.5% compared to 2024 and 2023, respectively, while tourism revenue has decreased by 7% compared to the previous year, but an increase of 9.2% and 13.8%, respectively, compared to 2024 and 2023.
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In his presentation, Mr. Koumis noted that in 2027, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism plans to focus its efforts on promoting the country abroad in order to ensure the continued success of the tourism sector and in the years to come, while the Ministry’s goal remains the adoption of a modern regulatory framework for the licensing and operation of various sectors of the tourism industry.
As he noted, the key objectives of the Ministry of Tourism for 2007 also include the further development, enrichment, and upgrading of the country’s tourism product, by promoting the implementation of major projects such as the Paphos Marina and the Paralimni Marina, and the distribution of the benefits of tourism across all regions of Cyprus through the implementation of specialized initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism in rural areas as well as in mountainous and remote regions.
She also highlighted the importance of leveraging technological advancements for the benefit of tourism, adding that, to this end, initiatives are planned for 2027, such as the production of promotional material using artificial intelligence and the development of a tourism guide in collaboration with CUT.
He added that next year the Deputy Ministry intends to strengthen the Tourism Observatory with the ultimate goal of providing the industry with more comprehensive information, while enhancing the education and training of tourism sector professionals, as well as fostering and strengthening tourism awareness, are also priorities for the Deputy Ministry.
Regarding 2026, Mr. Koumis noted that it will go down in history as a year during which the country’s tourism sector was called upon to face an unprecedented tourism crisis, which many consider the most difficult period in recent decades.
The isolated incident on March 1 and the resulting negative publicity led to a sharp decline in arrivals in March and April, he continued, adding that starting on the second day after the incident, the Deputy Ministry initiated direct contacts with the country’s strategic partners, tour operators, and airlines, with the aim of resuming the suspended flight schedules—a goal achieved within a few days, with seat losses for the summer season limited to 3.3%.
“I believe that, based on the results of recent months and certainly given the circumstances, the overwhelming majority of tourism businesses are satisfied,” he added, noting that last September is considered the best September in the country’s tourism history, while arrivals for the first nine months are down by only 5.6% compared to the previous year, while also recording increases of 4.1% and 8.5% compared to 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Regarding the Deputy Ministry’s budget for 2027, Mr. Koumis said that it amounts to €59.4 million, of which approximately 62% is allocated to initiatives aimed at promoting the destination and enriching the tourism product, such as promotional campaigns, participation in tourism trade shows, and incentive programs totaling €4.4 million.
On the part of the members of parliament, DISY MP Nikos Georgiou sought an explanation for the fact that spending on promoting and showcasing the country abroad has decreased compared to 2026. He also asked whether there are any indications regarding bookings for the coming year, whether there are plans to create a mechanism for managing tourism crises, and whether there are plans to boost winter tourism. He further asked what the total tourism revenue is and the expenditure per tourist.
In response, Mr. Koumis expressed his view regarding promotional expenses that the existing budget is sufficient to achieve the Deputy Ministry’s goals, adding that tourism also depends on the tourism product on offer.
Regarding next year’s bookings, he said that an initial picture would emerge after November 3–5 and following the meetings he will have at the London International Tourism Fair, adding that the current high cost of airline tickets poses a new challenge.
Regarding the management of tourism crises, he said there is a dedicated unit within the Deputy Ministry, adding that meetings have been held with tourism partners to update relevant measures.
Regarding winter tourism, he noted that performance during the November–April period has improved significantly in recent years, adding that improvements to tourism infrastructure are needed, with the Deputy Ministry investing in the development of products that will provide solutions for the winter season.
Regarding revenue, he said that last year it totaled €3.7 billion, while per-capita spending this year through September was €785 compared to €778 in 2025, and daily spending was €97.7 compared to €94.7, while also noting a decrease in the average length of stay due to Israel’s rising market share and high costs in European countries.
AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtides, demanded an explanation for the Deputy Ministry’s reduced budget, adding that measurable results are needed to ensure the effective use of promotional funds.
He added that load-bearing capacity studies have not been completed and that substantive planning and sustainable development are required.
His AKEL colleague, Konstantinos Konstantinou, asked whether there is a plan to diversify the markets of origin.
In his response, Mr. Koumis said that the budget reduction is due, on the one hand, to appropriations that had been allocated in last year’s corresponding budget for hospitality purposes in connection with Cyprus’s Presidency of the, and on the other hand, to actions under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, which is set to conclude by the end of the year, noting that there is no substantial change.
Regarding market diversification, he said that the government cannot force businesses to promote their services in specific markets, adding that the loss of the Russian market provided an opportunity for other markets to increase their share.
For his part, ELAM MP Marios Pelekanos asked whether Cyprus has the capacity to significantly increase the number of visitors. He also requested data on the percentage of visitors arriving through legal airports for vacations in the occupied areas and the resulting economic loss for the Republic of Cyprus.
Mr. Koumis replied that the country wants to avoid overtourism, adding that the budget includes a provision for conducting a carrying capacity study.
Regarding the outflow of visitors to the occupied areas, he said that the Deputy Ministry consistently promotes a free Cyprus at international exhibitions and reports on security conditions in the occupied areas.
DIKO MP Adamos Aspris asked for the Deputy Ministry’s assessment of demand for the coming year and whether there are any plans by airlines to suspend or discontinue flights to Cypriot airports. He also noted that the crisis management mechanism should ensure that the Republic of Cyprus has the final say.
In response, the Deputy Minister said that 2026 was characterized by a high percentage of last-minute bookings, a trend that, as he noted, is expected to continue in 2027. He added that there have been no reports or indications of route cancellations so far.
Yiannis Laouris, a member of parliament for Direct Democracy, commented that most resorts and hotels are operating without a license. He also inquired about progress on major infrastructure projects and requested data on specialized forms of tourism.
In response, Mr. Koumis confirmed that businesses must take it upon themselves to complete the licensing procedures, adding that the issue of extensions should be reconsidered following discussions with the private sector.
Regarding major infrastructure projects, he said that four prospective investors have expressed interest in the Paphos marina, with a final decision expected by 2027, adding that the Paralimni marina is currently under construction.
Regarding specialized forms of tourism, he highlighted religious tourism, which, he said, has been affected by the loss of the Russian market, adding that efforts are being made to promote the sector in alternative markets.
In his remarks following the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Tourism said that for the first seven months of the year, tourism revenue showed a decline of about 7% compared to the previous year, but an increase of 9.2% and 13.8% compared to 2024 and 2023, respectively.
“It is estimated that by the end of the year, if the trend in the coming months is similar to that of the previous year, the revenue index will show a decline of only 3%–4%, which, under the circumstances, is a very satisfactory performance,” he added.
“In the tourism sector, success is never a given. This has been proven once again this year. We are moving forward with the goal that, by 2027, tourism will continue to generate benefits for our country’s economy, tourism businesses, and certainly local communities,” he added.
For his part, Mr. Georgiou expressed concern that the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s budget for promoting Cyprus abroad has been reduced compared to last year.
“Frankly, we cannot understand the logic behind this. At a time when geopolitical crises are not only continuing but intensifying, the international environment remains unpredictable, and inflationary pressures and rising costs are weighing on the entire world, our country’s profile cannot be downgraded. On the contrary, it must be strengthened through targeted campaigns and a substantial presence in international tourism markets,” he noted in this regard.
“What we experienced last March highlighted in the clearest possible way just how vulnerable our tourism industry can be to external developments. It is not enough to simply react. We need prevention, preparedness, and the development of a comprehensive emergency management protocol, with clear procedures, coordination among the relevant agencies, and an immediate response to protect tourism businesses, workers, and Cyprus’s international image. “As DISY, we raised this point emphatically during the debate, and it is an issue we will continue to monitor,” he added.
He added that the government must invest in extending the tourist season, attracting new markets, developing winter tourism, and promoting alternative forms of tourism.
For his part, Mr. Pasiourtidis noted that the government continues to invest in public relations statements while the real problems facing the tourism sector remain unresolved.
“The budget of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism for 2027 is being cut by €14.8 million, while nearly €27 million is earmarked for promotional campaigns, without a clear account of the actual results of these expenditures. Where are the measurable results? Where is the comprehensive approach to addressing seasonality, the meaningful support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the guarantee of decent jobs? “Why are critical studies, such as the one on carrying capacity, still pending, while the government is pushing forward with its tourism strategy?” he continued.
“The government cannot demand a blank check from taxpayers. AKEL demands transparency, accountability, and concrete results for every euro spent. Tourism needs substantive planning and sustainable development, not public relations campaigns that substitute for policy. “Tourist arrivals alone are not enough; the key question is who benefits from tourism development and whether those benefits reach workers, small businesses, and society,” he emphasized.
In his own remarks, Mr. Aspris said that we are going through a difficult period due in part to the two wars that are still ongoing, as well as to inflation and energy costs, adding that it is to be expected, to some extent, that there will be some losses during 2027.
“In order to reach more reliable conclusions, we’ll need to wait for the results of our participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which will take place in early November. There, we will be able to get a clearer picture of how tourist traffic will develop throughout 2027,” he continued.
He added that the members of parliament emphasized to the Deputy Minister of Tourism that there must be close cooperation between the public and private sectors, involving all relevant agencies and services, in order to minimize to the greatest extent possible.
“We believe that this coordination will take place; the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is already taking certain steps, and we sincerely hope that we will achieve the best possible outcome to protect our tourism industry in 2027,” he added.
Finally, ELAM MP Andreas Papacharalambous spoke of the proper management of the tourism crisis by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, resulting in only a slight decline in tourist arrivals.
He added that support for mountainous and remote areas was also discussed, energy costs for businesses, and how the government can help businesses get back on their feet so they can remain competitive, and the issue of the shortage of bus drivers was also raised.
He also expressed concern that a significant number of visitors arriving at the country’s legal airports end up in the occupied territories.
“As you can see, this has not only a tourism impact, but also economic, legal, and, above all, political implications. The Republic of Cyprus must be able to address this phenomenon in a coordinated manner. We need better tracking of tourist flows arriving through legal channels, via the Republic of Cyprus’s official airports, enforcement of the law, more effective information for visitors, and strict monitoring where illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties is found,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
