With the appropriate actions for the promotion of cultural heritage, the promotion of rural tourism and the support of local communities, Nicosia can become a model combining urban and regional tourism, offering a complete experience to every visitor, while protecting the local community and the environment, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis has said.

In his address at the Annual General Assembly of the Nicosia Tourism Board, which took place on Monday at the Old Town Hall of Nicosia, Koumis said that despite the ongoing challenges, such as geopolitical instability in the Middle East, the economic situation in several European countries, the economic pressure faced by the middle class internationally, as well as the challenges related to the aviation sector, the country's tourism sector "demonstrates remarkable resilience".

He added that this dynamic is reflected through the results of both tourist arrivals and tourism revenues, since, according to the latest available statistics, as far as the January-October 2024 results are concerned, an increase of 4.6% was recorded, compared to the corresponding period of 2023, as well as an increase of 0.8% from the corresponding period of 2019, thus setting a "new all-time record for arrivals", while at the two-year level, an overall increase of 26.7% was recorded, "sending optimistic messages for the future".

In terms of revenue, he said that in the first nine months of the year, an increase of 4.9% was recorded compared to 2023, while over a two-year period, an increase of 31.1% was recorded, indicating that 2024 will be the new benchmark year for tourism in the country.

Referring to Nicosia, he said that as the historic capital of Cyprus, it offers a unique identity that combines its long history with modern cultural and economic developments.

He added that the development of urban tourism in Nicosia should be done through proper planning, with parks and green spaces, and combine a strategy that connects the urban centre with the surrounding areas, creating a single network of experiences focused on sustainable development.

"With the appropriate actions for the promotion of cultural heritage, the promotion of rural tourism and the support local communities, Nicosia can become a model combining urban and regional tourism, offering a complete experience to every visitor, while protecting the local community and the environment," he said.

He also noted that special emphasis is also placed on the promotion of rural communities, adding that for this purpose, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism has prepared a Sponsorship Plan for the revival of rural, mountainous and remote areas, through the creation of Authentic Experiences, which has been used, in the first phase, by a total of 80 local authorities and 4 individuals, while a total of 180 local authorities and 13 individuals have applied for the re-launch of the Plan.

"Supporting the sustainable development of mountainous areas, rural areas and old Nicosia is a priority for both the government and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, and every policy is now intertwined with the green transition and the digital transformation. Therefore, it is necessary to align all those who make up the tourism ecosystem, including local government authorities, in order to make our country a modern, sustainable and attractive tourist destination, with respect for the environment, cultural heritage and local communities," he stressed.

Koumis also expressed satisfaction over Nicosia's recent distinction as the Best Destination for "Best Beverage Experience for culinary travelers" in 2024, by the internationally recognised organisation "World Food Travel Association", receiving the "Culinary Capital 2024" certification, which ranks it among the top gastronomic destinations worldwide and makes it the first European capital to receive this title.

In closing, the Deputy Minister congratulated the Nicosia Tourism Board for its actions and assured that "the Deputy Ministry of Tourism will remain a supporter of the efforts made for the development of tourism in the city and district of Nicosia".