Limassol, Cyprus. Cyprus continues to project a positive image as a tourism destination, but constant vigilance is needed due to geopolitical volatility in the wider region, Pasyxe general director Christos Angelides said.
Positive image and 2024 results
Speaking to Entrepreneurial Limassol, a periodical published by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), Angelides said Cyprus’ security, hospitality, natural wealth and cultural heritage are tools that allow the country to offer high-quality experiences to a broad range of visitors.
He described 2024 as a landmark year for Cypriot tourism, with arrivals exceeding four million and tourism revenues reaching a historic high.
Concerns about accommodation and reservations
Angelides cautioned that arrivals do not necessarily translate into hotel reservations, noting that part of the visitor flow is directed to unlicensed accommodation or to the occupied areas.
Thematic tourism as a strategic priority
Angelides said thematic tourism is a strategic priority for Cyprus and is promoted through cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, local authorities and the private sector.
He said hoteliers support this effort by hosting journalists from specialised publications and participating in targeted exhibitions and conferences abroad, focusing on weddings, conferences, agrotourism and sports tourism.
Targeted efforts and year-round tourism
He said Pasyxe works in a targeted manner to strengthen conference, sports, gastronomic, medical, wellness and nature-based tourism, while encouraging continuous infrastructure upgrades by both its members and the state.
Angelides said Pasyxe is working to upgrade Cyprus’ visibility in targeted markets and that developing these forms of tourism supports the goal of year-round tourism.
Comparative advantages across segments
Angelides said Cyprus has comparative advantages in several segments, citing safety, climate and infrastructure for conference tourism, and authenticity, local products and cultural background for gastronomy.
He said medical and wellness tourism is supported by a high level of services and facilities within hotel units, while nature tourism benefits from unique nature and easy accessibility.
Which type of thematic tourism would you most like to experience in Cyprus?