10/05/2024 08:49
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) tourism market is rising steadily for Cyprus, Deputy Minister for Tourism Costas Koumis has said, stressing that the Middle East and the Asian markets deserve more attention by Cypriot tourism stakeholders.
In a statement on the conclusion of his contacts in the Arabian Travel Market and the Annual Investment Meeting AIM Congress 2024 held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively, Koumis also noted that he discussed possible new promotion actions which are heading towards implementation.
Koumis, who headed a delegation of the Ministry along with Cypriot tourism stakeholders, participated in the event. According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry, Koumis held contacts with travel agents and air carriers concerning the increase of tourist flows from the UAE and the Middle Eastern countries as well as the strengthening of the air connectivity between Cyprus and current and new destinations, including with high-ranking officials of Jazeera, Gulf Air and Air India.
Koumis also participated in the 13th AIM Congress 2024, held under the auspices of Emirati Minister of Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, with whom Koumis held a private meeting.
In the context of the Congress, the Cypriot delegation held networking meetings with top officials in the field of tourism and investments, with the Ministry highlighting the meeting between Koumis and the head of UAE International Investors Council and officials of the UN Tourism’s investment management directorate.
In a statement on his contacts, Koumis highlighted that the UAE market remains on a steady rising trend, recalling that tourist arrivals from UAE were up by an annual 14% last year.
“We are happy to see that noteworthy increase could be recorded this year as well,” he added.
The Deputy Minister noted that both the countries of the Middle East and of Asia deserve more attention, adding that promotion actions are in the process of implementation.
With regard to the Indian market, Koumis said there is interest for the near future but a lot depends on the gradual plans by the companies that have expressed interest for Cyprus.
“On our part, it is certain that we proceed with a plan to increase demand from the specific country with clear focus on some special forms of tourism,” he said.
On investments, Koumis said he had important meetings during the AIM Council which confirmed that strategic collaborations with UAE could emerge.