Tourism Deputy Minister satisfied with predicted inflow of UK visitors in 2024

Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis has met with major tour operators and airlines in London, to discuss expectations and plans for the current summer period, the forthcoming winter and next year.

Following the meetings earlier this week, Koumis said he was “very happy” as it became clear that despite challenges the number of visitors from the UK to Cyprus in 2024 will remain at the same high levels as in 2023.

That number last year, as the Deputy Minister noted, was over 1.3 million visitors, a tally increased by 100,000 in comparison to 2022.

“The UK market is undoubtedly the top tourism market for our country and over the years its contribution to Cyprus’ tourism has been extremely major and significant”, Koumis said after concluding his meetings.

He noted that in the first four months of this year, there have already been 229,000 visitors from the UK to Cyprus. He described this number as “extremely satisfying” given the fact that the British economy has been through a recession with the spending power of the households somewhat decreased and with interest rates at a high of 5.25%. He noted, however, that recently the UK economy has been bouncing back, something reflected in the increased number of tourists from the country.

“What satisfies us from the meetings we have had is that the target we had set at the outset of the current season to repeat last year’s performance is now clear that it will be achieved”, the Deputy Minister added.

He said that his talks also covered plans for 2025 and thematic tourism, to which the Deputy Ministry attributes particular importance.

During his visit to London Koumis had also had the opportunity to meet with diaspora organisations and representatives.

(Source: CNA)