The only way for the tourism sector to continue its upward trajectory and its significant contribution to the Cypriot economy is through collective effort, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis.

Koumis’ statements were delivered during an event hosted by Nordic Leisure Travel Group (NLTG) earlier this week.

Nordic Leisure Travel Group is one of the most important providers of organised travel in the Scandinavian countries, bringing tourists to Cyprus, especially Ayia Napa and Protaras.

According to a statement from the municipality of Ayia Napa, Koumis said in his address that “for the first time, the tourism sector surpassed four million arrivals, while at the same time, tourism’s contribution to the national economy exceeded €3 billion”.

The year 2024, he said, “is undoubtedly a milestone year for Cypriot tourism”.

“This success is the result of methodical planning and collective effort from all stakeholders,” he added, referring to a series of initiatives planned for the future of tourism.

“At the Deputy Ministry”, he continued, “we are committed to promoting flagship initiatives and incentive schemes, investing in the future of the tourism sector”.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis at the event

At the same time, he said, the ministry is completing a series of audiovisual materials and is in the final stages of launching a digital application designed to cover the entire island, with the goal of improving the competitiveness of tourism destinations throughout Cyprus.

Koumis stated that “we recognise that even the most prominent tourism destinations, such as Ayia Napa and Protaras, require constant analysis and support to maintain their competitive advantage”.

“Collective effort is the only path forward for the tourism sector to continue its upward trajectory and its important contribution to the Cypriot economy,” he added.

He also noted that “our cooperation with Nordic Leisure Travel Group is a model to follow.”

In his own remarks, the mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannettou, said that “the presence of top executives from Nordic Leisure Travel Group (NLTG) is not only an honour for the municipality of Ayia Napa, but also a confirmation of the long-standing relationship of trust and cooperation that we have built over the years.”

“Nordic Leisure has played a key role in the tourism development of Ayia Napa, bringing thousands of visitors annually to our area,” he added.

Zannettou also referred to the “timeless and invaluable contribution” of the travel organisation Aeolos Travel, which has represented Nordic Leisure Travel Group in Cyprus from 1970 to today.

Moreover, he praised “the significant contribution of the organisation to the tourism development of Ayia Napa, particularly in maintaining and strengthening ties with the Scandinavian market.”

He further stated that “the choice of Ayia Napa to host the event highlights the strategic importance of the region for NLTG and underscores the Group’s intention to further bolster its presence in Cypriot tourism.”

From his side, Petter Stordalen, founder and owner of the Strawberry Group, the largest hospitality group in Scandinavia, said – according to the statement – that he was “particularly happy to have had the opportunity to meet the group’s partners in the region in person.”

He also stated that he has a deep fondness for Cyprus and considers it “an excellent destination for Scandinavian travellers.”

Cyprus, he continued, “offers a developed and high-quality tourism product that fully meets the expectations of the Group’s clients, while the hospitality and professionalism that characterise the island’s people further enhance the destination’s positive image.”

Furthermore, he expressed his belief that “cooperation with Cyprus will be further strengthened in the future,” as “both myself and my group deeply believe in the country’s potential, its people, and the dynamic nature of the Cypriot tourism product.”