**AI Must Become Part of Cyprus Tourism Strategy, Hoteliers Say**
In a call to action for the tourism sector, the Cyprus Hotels Association (Pasyxe) emphasized the necessity of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation into the country's tourism strategy. This statement was made on Sunday, coinciding with World Tourism Day, highlighting the potential of technology to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth of the tourism industry in Cyprus.
Pasyxe argues that AI can significantly benefit tourism businesses in various critical areas, including data collection, visitor services, and energy efficiency. The association believes that the effective use of these technologies will enable the industry to adapt to the evolving expectations of travelers, particularly in light of recent challenges, including ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have affected tourism demand.
Yiannos Pantazis, president of Pasyxe, pointed out that this is a pivotal moment for Cyprus to reassess its tourism model. He stated, "As a country, we have an important opportunity ahead of us to redesign our tourism model and compete on equal terms with the larger tourism markets." Pantazis underscored that the future of Cyprus tourism hinges on the sector’s ability to adapt, invest, and leverage available opportunities.
The association highlighted that the transition to a more technology-driven tourism sector would require more than just individual investments from hotels and tourism businesses. Pasyxe called for coordinated planning, enhanced infrastructure, specialized staffing, and a modern incentive system to encourage the adoption of new technologies across the industry.
Christos Angelides, director-general of Pasyxe, echoed these sentiments, stating that World Tourism Day serves as a reminder for Cyprus to align its tourism strategy with international trends and the evolving needs of modern travelers. He emphasized that the country’s approach must integrate technological advancements alongside broader efforts to enhance the quality and competitiveness of its tourism offerings.
The theme of this year's World Tourism Day, hosted in El Salvador, revolves around the digital agenda and the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the tourism landscape. Discussions at the global event focus on how new technologies can bolster competitiveness and facilitate the transformation of the sector.
Looking ahead, these themes will be central to the upcoming 47th Cyprus Hotel Summit & HORECA Expo, organized by Pasyxe on December 2 at the Hilton in Nicosia. The summit will explore technology, innovation, and competitiveness, reinforcing the association's commitment to integrating AI and digital solutions into Cyprus's tourism strategy.
As the tourism industry navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape, Pasyxe's advocacy for the adoption of AI and digital transformation represents a proactive approach to ensuring that Cyprus remains a competitive destination for travelers. The association's vision aligns with broader international trends, aiming to enhance the visitor experience while addressing the pressing need for efficiency and sustainability in tourism operations.