We must highlight the historic connection between France and Cyprus, as the Kingdom of the Lusignans, Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis has said in the framework of is participation in the International & French Travel Market (IFTM) fair that took place in Paris.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry, Koumis held a series of meetings with leading executives of tourism agencies, during which they exchanged views both on 'this year's impressive French market' as well as on the prospects for the new year, 'which according to the existing indications are positive'.

In the framework of the exhibition, he participated in a panel discussion on sustainable tourism development. The panel discussion included Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, Makram Al Queisi, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica, William Rodriquez and Director of the French Tourist Development Agency (Atout France) Caroline Leboucher.

During the discussion, Koumis, referred to the increased presence of French visitors this year in Cyprus and also spoke about the historical connection between the two countries, taking into account that Cyprus was a kingdom of the Lusignans for about three centuries.

In statements after concluding his contacts in Paris,  Koumis said that the exhibition is very important for Cyprus, and noted that the French market has grown in recent years.

He added that the Cypriot delegation was informed by operators about the level of satisfaction of the French visitors saying that it is 'very high' which gives us optimism for the future.

"I think that now is the right time to invest more in this market" he said, adding that the most important thing is to make widely known that there is a historical connection of Cyprus with France, such as the Kingdom of the Lusignans.

Noting that French tourists to a large extent are 'cultural visitors' who prefer excursions with a focus on history, he said that there is a historical connection between the two countries, which must be highlighted.

"Our responsibility is to develop product and advertising material for the French market!", he concluded. 

Koumis also gave interviews to French Media referring to Cyprus' comparative advantages. 

The Deputy Minister also had a  meeting with Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Al Queisi, during which they discussed ways of closer cooperation between the two countries in the field of tourism, with particular emphasis on the creation of joint tourism packages.