Cypriot tourism remains resilient in the face of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, with the sector recovering and bolstering the local economy, according to the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (Stek).

In an announcement released on Friday, the association welcomed the official celebration of the 45th World Tourism Day, which is hosted this year for the first time in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The central theme of this year’s event is ‘Tourism and Peace, under the auspices of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The association said that the message for this year is particularly “relevant and significant for Cyprus”.

“As a divided country, we know what it means to struggle to manage our tourism product in such difficult times, to gather the fragments of destruction, and to successfully rebuild it after great effort,” Stek stated.

Today, the announcement continued, in an era marked by continuous conflicts and wars, “this year’s message resonates more than ever”.

“In Cyprus, we have recently felt the negative impacts of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and we have proven that tourism remains strong,” said Stek.

It added that the sector, despite these crises, is “recovering and continues to support the island and its people”.

“Let us not forget that tourism brings people together,” the association said.

“Let us all reflect on the deep connection between tourism and peace, while simultaneously working towards enhancing the quality of our tourism product,” it added.

It also said that “only through quality tourism can the real benefits for the entire Cypriot society be realised“.

World Tourism Day has been celebrated by the UNWTO since 1980 on September 27 each year.

The goal is to raise awareness among the global community of the social, cultural, political, and economic value of tourism, as well as the sector’s contribution to achieving sustainable development goals.

The day is dedicated to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism, fostering global understanding, and appreciating the cultural heritage that tourism brings to the world.

“The goal of sustainable tourism should be our guiding star for the coming years, promoting our rich culture, which is essential to move forward and meet new trends in the global tourism landscape,” Stek concluded.

In a separate statement, the Hotel Professionals of Cyprus (Pasydixe) highlighted “the essential role tourism plays in global peace, as interconnected elements that promote understanding between cultures and lay the foundations for strengthening global cooperation and friendship”.

“In a year with two active fronts at the demographic borders of Europe, as well as in our region, tourism can play a decisive role in building bridges and promoting the peaceful coexistence of peoples,” Pasydixe said.

“Tourism offers opportunities to meet and get to know people from different nations, with different cultures, religions, and principles, experiencing, in essence, a different culture, even in countries that are geographically close,” it added

Furthermore, Pasydixe said that “by utilising the possibilities that tourism provides and understanding the roots of each culture, its evolution, and its customs, tourism acts as a mechanism that has the power to promote peace and intercultural understanding”.

In addition, it stated that as one of the largest sectors of the global economy, “tourism has the power to bridge cultural and civilisational differences“, create new opportunities, and bring progress.”

“Cyprus, as a tourist destination, plays an important role in promoting peace due to its geopolitical position, history, and multicultural character,” said Pasydixe.

“On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Pasydixe emphasises the importance of tourism as a pillar for promoting peace and highlights the role that Cyprus can play as a destination where cultural diversity, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence will serve as a model for the entire world,” it concluded.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, president of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association (Pasyxe) Thanos Michaelides urged tourism professionals to enhance peace through quality services, in the context of World Tourism Day.

The Pasyxe president stated that “tourism can promote peace and understanding between peoples”.

Finally, Michaelides called for modernising Cyprus’ marketing strategies to present it as a safe, attractive, and welcoming destination.