**Title: Cyprus Tourism Faces Decline Amid Ongoing Challenges**
Cyprus's tourism sector is experiencing a notable decline, with arrivals down approximately 8% in the first seven months of 2023, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis. The year is projected to conclude with a decrease of around 5%, which is anticipated to be worse than the expected figures for 2024. Koumis shared these insights during a recent meeting involving the deputy ministry, the hoteliers’ association (Pasyxe), and various tourism bodies from Limassol.
Despite the overall downturn, Koumis noted that the rate of decline has shown signs of easing during the summer months, with decreases recorded at around 1% in both June and July. August figures are still pending, but the deputy minister emphasized that the overall trend indicates a "downward path" in the percentage of tourism arrivals.
The tourism sector faced significant challenges earlier this year, particularly following a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri and the escalating tensions in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. These events led to numerous cancellations and a freeze on reservations, prompting the government to implement a series of crisis management measures. Koumis asserted that Cyprus's response to these challenges was more effective than that of other affected nations.
During the meeting, Limassol tourism board president Andreas Tsouloftas raised concerns regarding the conversion of small hotels into short-term residential units. He pointed out that this trend has reduced the number of available accommodations, hindering Limassol's capacity to expand its share of national tourism, which currently stands at 12%. Tsouloftas suggested that there should be incentives to increase the number of available beds rather than solely focusing on attracting high-spending visitors.
In response to questions regarding pollution reported off the Limassol coast, Koumis stated that the responsibility for addressing this issue lies with the deputy shipping ministry. He acknowledged that the problem has been analyzed and assured that the competent authorities are working towards a long-term solution.
Additionally, Pasyxe’s Limassol chief, Christos Tsanos, highlighted the association's efforts to enhance marketing strategies in collaboration with the employers’ federation (Oev), the commerce chamber (Keve), and the municipality. These initiatives aim to bolster the tourism sector in light of the current challenges.
As Cyprus navigates these obstacles, stakeholders remain hopeful for recovery and growth in the tourism industry, recognizing the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among various entities.