The blow to Cypriot tourism from the war situation in the Middle East remains heavy, as the rate of bookings remains sluggish and significantly reduced compared to last year.
In an interview for the April edition of Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE) newsletter 'Xenodochos', Association of Cyprus Travel & Tourism Agents (ACTTA) spokesman Antonis Orthodoxou analyses the current situation of the tourism market, noting that the decrease in reservations is reaching 40%.
At the same time, he describes the coordinated efforts of individual stakeholders and the Deputy Ministry to restore Cyprus' image internationally and reveals the new markets that are expected to give "breathing space" to the sector's revenues.
Mr. Orthodoxou, what is your assessment of the international image of Cyprus today? Has the market managed to overturn the misconception created due to regional tension?
A huge effort is being made, both by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and by us individuals, to change this image and reverse the negative climate. The truth is that there has been a small improvement, but not yet to the extent we would like.
Although the conflict has stopped and talks are progressing, new booking flows are not at the levels they should be compared to last year. The problem is no longer cancellations, but the pace of new bookings, which remains sluggish.
Do we have specific numbers that capture this stagnation?
The reduction currently ranges from 40% compared to last year. For this reason, organised campaigns are underway and Deputy Ministry officials are almost permanently abroad, trying, day by day, to turn the situation around.
What advice do you have for hoteliers and tour operators? Are there any specific actions that can be taken?
Inbound tourism tour operators and hotels have already responded to a large extent, offering special offers and incentives to their foreign partners.
It is necessary to further strengthen this response in order to attract the largest possible volume of tourists.
What are your expectations for the summer and which markets are expected to be the main ones?
The UK market will traditionally hold the lion's share. However, we see the rise of the Kazakhstan market with great optimism. The upcoming start of regular flights from the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Cyprus has already been announced and this is a quality tourism that brings money to our economy, something we particularly need in the current situation.
