The outlook for Cypriot tourism remains positive; however, constant alertness is required, particularly amid geopolitical volatility in the wider region, estimates the Director General of the Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA), Dr Christos Angelides.
In an interview with “Entrepreneurial Limassol”, the Director General of PASYXE stressed that security, hospitality, natural wealth and Cyprus’s cultural heritage constitute key assets, enabling the country to offer high-quality experiences to a broad spectrum of visitors.
As he noted, 2024 was a milestone year for Cypriot tourism, with arrivals exceeding four million and tourism revenues reaching a historic high. He added, however, that despite these encouraging figures, it is critical to underline that arrivals do not necessarily translate into hotel bookings, as a portion of visitors choose unlicensed accommodation or stay in the occupied areas.
According to Dr Angelides, thematic tourism is a strategic priority for Cyprus. Its promotion, he explained, is implemented through synergies with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, local authorities and the private sector. At the same time, hoteliers play an active role by offering hospitality to journalists from specialised publications and to organisations active in thematic tourism. In addition, they participate in specialised exhibitions and conferences abroad focusing on special-interest tourism, such as wedding, conference, agrotourism and sports tourism.
With regard to CHA’s strategy to strengthen forms such as conference, sports, gastronomic, medical and wellness tourism, as well as hiking/nature-based tourism, he stated that the Association works in a targeted manner, encouraging the continuous upgrading of the country’s infrastructure, both by its members and at the level of the state.
“We are working consistently to enhance the promotion of our country as a tourism destination in targeted markets, to support and promote hotels with specialised infrastructure, to foster collaborations for the creation of combined experiences, to implement digital campaigns, to connect with local producers and stakeholders, and to strengthen and expand our presence at specialised exhibitions and conferences abroad. The development of these forms of tourism also serves the objective of year-round tourism,” he underlined.
As he noted, Cyprus stands out particularly in the following areas:
• Conference tourism: safety, climate, infrastructure.
• Gastronomy: authenticity, local products, cultural background.
• Medical and wellness tourism: high standard of services and facilities within hotel units.
• Nature-based tourism: unique natural environment and easy accessibility.
Regarding cooperation between hoteliers and cultural organisations and local communities to highlight cultural and folkloric heritage, Dr Angelides pointed out that, year by year, interconnection is being strengthened through joint festivals and events, the integration of local products into hospitality units, guided tours to villages, wineries and archaeological sites, as well as the promotion of cultural and thematic routes through hotels’ printed and digital media. All these initiatives, he noted, contribute to shaping a more comprehensive image of Cyprus as an attractive destination.
Dr Christos Angelides also emphasised that the modern visitor seeks authentic experiences, noting that Cypriot cuisine and cultural tradition offer uniqueness and emotional connection, enhancing the overall experience and adding value to the destination. “Therefore, the integration of local gastronomy into the tourism product can and should be highlighted as a competitive advantage,” he added.
Referring to sustainability, Dr Angelides underlined that it now constitutes a fundamental criterion of competitiveness. As he explained, hotel units have invested in recent years in renewable energy sources, energy-saving technologies, international certifications, staff training and customer awareness, while implementing recycling practices and rational resource management.
With specific reference to Limassol, he stated that in recent years it has recorded strong momentum in tourism, evolving into a multifaceted and growing tourism hub. Conference tourism, he noted, shows particular prospects due to the city’s business profile, the presence of international companies and the availability of modern infrastructure.
“At the same time, the gastronomic and wine experience in the province’s countryside, with the wine villages and the Commandaria routes, significantly strengthens thematic tourism. Nature-based and hiking tourism also show prospects, thanks to the richness of the countryside and easy access to historical, cultural and natural points of interest. In addition, Limassol is emerging as a key gateway for cruise tourism, with its port serving as an important stop for thousands of visitors annually,” he added.
The Director General of CHA further noted that Limassol’s hotel enterprises constitute an integral part of the region’s tourism momentum, making a substantial contribution to the development of specialised forms of tourism. “They invest in high-quality infrastructure, cooperate with local institutional stakeholders such as the Limassol Tourism Board, the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Limassol Municipality and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, and support initiatives that highlight culture, gastronomy, tradition and entrepreneurship.
Through the organisation or hosting of major cultural festivals, wine events and large conferences, these enterprises enhance the overall visitor experience and upgrade Limassol’s reputation as a four-season destination,” he concluded, stressing that their contribution to shaping the city’s identity as a high-standard destination is pivotal.
