Cyprus updates tourism strategy — targets extended season, new markets

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism on Friday outlined the need to address long-standing challenges in the tourism sector, in order to maximise its performance and boost the Cypriot economy.

Initiatives include enhancing the tourism product and extending the national tourism strategy to 2035 to meet international market trends.

Tourism remains vital to the Cypriot economy, the ministry said, contributing significantly to GDP.

According to the strategic plan for 2025-2027, submitted alongside the 2025 state budget, the sector generated €2.99 billion in revenue in 2023, compared to €2.68 billion in 2019.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that tourism’s total contribution to GDP was 12.9 per cent in 2023, down from 13.5 per cent in 2019.

Despite this, long-standing issues persist, particularly the inability to extend the tourist season beyond May-October.

The ministry attributes this to Cyprus’ reliance on a “sun and sea” model. The ministry has called for an acceleration of the digital and green transition, along with improvements in accessibility for all tourists.

To address these challenges, the ministry aims to enrich and upgrade the tourism product while boosting its promotion to increase revenue.

The national tourism strategy 2030 includes a broad range of actions to diversify and improve Cyprus’ tourism offerings.

These special interest tourism products include nature, outdoor, and mountain tourism, sports tourism, wellness and rehabilitation services, conference and incentive tourism, cruise and maritime tourism, romantic and marriage tourism, religious and cultural tourism, cycling, diving, and golf tourism.

The ministry is also prioritising infrastructure projects such as new golf courses and additional marinas, which are expected to further diversify the tourism sector.

Efforts are underway to improve air connectivity with key markets and simplify visa procedures for tourists from countries with high potential for arrivals.

To mitigate the issue of seasonality, the ministry has been actively promoting winter tourism with specialised action plans.

In parallel with the ongoing implementation of the national tourism strategy 2030, the ministry is reviewing an extension of the strategy to 2035, considering current international trends. The updated strategy is currently under consultation.

To achieve the set objectives, the Deputy Ministry said, its main activities for 2025-2027 include developing both existing and new markets, improving the quality of services and experiences offered, extending the tourist season, accelerating the digital and green transition, and enhancing accessibility.