Tourism is currently playing a key role in helping the island’s economy overcome a difficult period, president of the Cyprus Hotels Association (Pasyxe) Haris Loizides said on Monday.

In a statement released ahead of World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on September 27, Loizides said tourism in Cyprus continues to provide respite despite the additional difficulties posed by the war in Ukraine, and the consequent loss of the Russian market.

Cyprus’ goal is to be included in the World Tourism Organisation’s Top 30 ranking by 2030.

“Our national tourism strategy remains our guide for the future,” Loizides said. “The upgrade of our product and the inclusion of new markets are key elements that will attract new stakeholders in the tourism industry.”

Pasyxe added that, despite the rising cost of living, the war in Ukraine and two years of Covid-19, the tourism industry, in Cyprus and worldwide, is attempting to restart.

“The UNWTO sees this year’s celebrations as the perfect moment to rethink how we do tourism, putting people and the planet at the top of the priorities, under a shared vision for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism industry,” Pasyxe’s statement concluded.

The centre of this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations will be in Bali, Indonesia.