Economy category powered by

New record of arrivals from France likely, says Deputy Tourism Minister

Cyprus may break its record for tourist arrivals from France this year, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis.

Speaking during a series of meetings in the French capital, Koumis, who is leading Cyprus' delegation at the 2024 IFTM tourism exhibition, expressed optimism that arrivals from France could surpass last year’s figure of 80,000 visitors.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Koumis had discussions with senior officials from tourism organisations and airlines operating between France and Cyprus. The focus of the talks included the continued growth of the French market in Cyprus, which is expected to set new records this year, as well as visitor satisfaction and efforts by the ministry to promote niche tourism.  

At the IFTM exhibition, the Cyprus delegation hosted a breakfast featuring traditional Cypriot cuisine, in line with the “Cyprus Breakfast” initiative. Notable guests included Valerie Boned, President of the French Association of Travel Agents, and Lawrence Gaborieau, Director of the IFTM exhibition. The annual event is one of the largest and oldest professional tourism exhibitions in the world, attracting thousands of industry professionals.

The French market has seen a significant 25% increase in tourist arrivals to Cyprus from January to August 2024 compared to the previous year, and an impressive 217% rise compared to the same period in 2019.

Koumis highlighted that the French market had been slow to grow in Cyprus due to several factors, most notably the preference of French tourists for French-speaking destinations. However, he pointed out that in recent years, there has been a notable surge in French arrivals, with this year expected to set a new record.

“We must conduct a thorough analysis of the profile of the French visitor,” Koumis said, adding that recent surveys show French travelers are particularly conscious of environmental issues and green development. "They assess destinations based on sustainable practices, which is why green transition efforts are essential for the future of tourism."

Koumis further emphasised the importance of continuing to attract French tourists in the coming year, building on this year’s high performance while considering evolving trends in visitor preferences.

“About 50% of French tourists prioritise sun and sea destinations, but we are also seeing a growing interest in lesser-known locations, which is a dynamic trend that extends beyond France,” he said.

Koumis concluded by stressing the importance of Cyprus’ tourism industry embracing sustainable practices, which have become a key criterion for visitors in choosing their destinations.

(Source: CNA)

Read More

Cyprus film incentives scheme production ‘The Moustakas Sisters Mysteries' to make UK premiere
OMIROS acquires Hadjipieris Dairy and plans to invest €30m in Cyprus over next five years
All the details of the bill on the control of foreign direct investments
OMONOIA has been certified with ISO 37001 against bribery and corruption
Cypriot John Ioannou appointed as TITAN's new Group CFO
ICan Primary School is officially listed among the Licensed Schools by the Ministry of Education of Cyprus
Cloud Tech Expo, Cyprus, 2025 delivers on its promise to demystify digital transformation
Marios Tannousis: The National FDI Control Mechanism is a very important and positive step
Contracts signed for €29.92m phase B3 of the Nicosia perimetre highway
Commission launches strategy aiming to make Europe quantum leader