Peyia, Cyprus. Deputy tourism minister Costas Koumis said on Sunday that Cyprus remains “among the safest countries in the world” and continues to be a highly competitive tourist destination despite unease in key markets.
Message to key markets
Speaking in Peyia at the opening of the World Chess Championship, being held for the first time on the island, Koumis said the central message conveyed abroad is that Cyprus “continues to be a very competitive tourist destination” and “extremely safe.”
Concerns after Akrotiri incident
The comments follow a drone strike on British bases in Akrotiri earlier this month and a series of international reports linking Cyprus to wider instability in the Middle East, which have prompted cancellations and slowed demand ahead of the summer season. Government officials said they are working to reverse what they described as a “distorted perception.”
Tourism data and economic exposure
Tourism is showing signs of strain, with cancellations for March and April reaching between 40 and 50 per cent, additional losses recorded for May, and summer bookings progressing at a slower pace than expected. Industry tracking data cited in the report indicated that short-term rental cancellations surged immediately after the incident before stabilising at elevated levels.
Record year and response measures
The impact follows a record year in 2025, when tourist arrivals exceeded 4.5 million and total revenues over a three-year period approached €10 billion. The sector contributed around 14 per cent of GDP. Koumis said the state has maintained close contact with industry stakeholders and launched an intensive campaign abroad to reinforce confidence.
How will the recent cancellations affect your travel plans to Cyprus this year?
