**Koumis Hails Global Recognition of Cyprus Tourism**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis has announced that Cyprus has garnered international recognition for its successful adaptation in the tourism sector, particularly in the wake of losing a significant number of Russian visitors. Speaking at the opening of an international development seminar in Nicosia this week, Koumis highlighted a joint report by Oxford Economics and the global tourism platform TOURISE, which positions Cyprus as a leading example of resilience and market diversification in tourism.
The report, titled "Resilience in a World That Doesn’t Reset," analyzes 85 major tourism crises over the past 25 years and underscores the importance of diversification as a robust safeguard against disruptions. In the context of Cyprus, the report details how the island effectively responded to the decline in Russian tourism following the invasion of Ukraine. Prior to 2022, Russian visitors constituted over 27% of total arrivals, but this figure plummeted to just 1% by 2025.
In response to this dramatic shift, Cyprus has successfully expanded its reach into other European markets. Notably, the share of visitors from Poland increased from 2% to 9%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the government's strategy to diversify its tourism portfolio.
Koumis expressed his satisfaction with the recognition, stating that the findings of the report reflect the proactive measures taken by the Cypriot government in recent years. “For us, resilience is not a theoretical concept; it is an integral part of our tourism planning,” he remarked during his opening address. He elaborated on the government’s efforts to replace the lost Russian demand by developing new geographical markets and enhancing air connectivity.
The Deputy Minister also noted that Cyprus experienced a resurgence in tourism demand in 2026, following a period of disruption caused by conflicts in the Middle East earlier that year. He mentioned the initiatives advanced during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, which focused on sustainable tourism development. These initiatives included the adoption of Council conclusions aimed at creating sustainable and competitive tourism for the future, linking environmental sustainability with economic competitiveness and emphasizing the need for resilience to climate change.
At the national level, Koumis pointed out that the National Tourism Strategy 2035 is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient tourism model. This strategy aims to extend the tourist season gradually and establish Cyprus as a year-round destination. According to Koumis, these efforts are already yielding positive results, with winter arrivals increasing by more than 20% over the past three years.
The seminar, titled "Sustainable Tourism, Youth Employability and Funding Mobilisation," was held at The Landmark Hotel in Nicosia and was organized by the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the Francophonie Institute for Sustainable Development, part of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. As part of the event, Cyprus is hosting the Destination Eco-Talents programme for the first time, gathering 60 experts from 30 member states along with international development partners.
In his concluding remarks, Koumis reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to developing a tourism model that prioritizes environmental protection, invests in human resources, and supports local communities. The ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism sector not only aim to recover from past losses but also to ensure a sustainable future for Cyprus as a premier travel destination.