Cyprus is poised to set a new record for tourist arrivals from France, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis. This optimistic projection follows a series of strategic meetings in Paris, where Koumis led the Cypriot delegation at the IFTM 2024 tourism exhibition. The impressive growth in French tourist arrivals, a remarkable 217% increase compared to 2019, reflects the growing appeal of Cyprus as a destination for French travelers.
The Ministry of Tourism has been actively engaged in enhancing the experience of French travelers by promoting diverse tourism options, including cultural, gastronomic, and wellness experiences. This diversified approach is aimed at attracting a broader audience and offering unique experiences tailored to the interests of French tourists. Moreover, the Ministry is actively gathering feedback from French visitors to further improve the quality of services and experiences in Cyprus, ensuring that French tourists leave with positive impressions and are encouraged to return. This commitment to service excellence is a key component of the strategy to encourage repeat visits and long-term growth.
Cyprus’ participation in the IFTM 2024 exhibition included a special breakfast event showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage. The breakfast featured a variety of Cypriot delicacies, aligned with the ‘Cyprus Breakfast’ campaign, which aims to highlight the authentic flavors of the island. This initiative was well-received by attendees, further promoting Cyprus as a destination known for its gastronomic appeal.
The event saw the participation of several key partners and supporters of Cyprus, including Valerie Boned, president of the French Travel Agents Association, and Laurence Gaborieau, director of the IFTM exhibition. Their presence underscored the strong relationship between Cyprus and prominent figures in the French travel industry, highlighting ongoing collaborations aimed at boosting tourism between the two countries.
Koumis acknowledged that the development of the French market in Cyprus had initially been slow, hindered by various challenges. However, recent strategies and collaborations have effectively overcome these barriers, resulting in a substantial boost in French visitors to the island. This upward trend indicates a strong potential for continued growth in the future, as Cyprus becomes an increasingly popular destination for French tourists.
Koumis emphasized the need to conduct a deeper analysis of the French visitor profile, stressing that understanding their preferences is key to maintaining growth. He pointed out that recent studies reveal a high level of environmental consciousness among French tourists, which presents opportunities for Cyprus to tailor its offerings in line with sustainable tourism practices. This growing environmental awareness among French visitors signals the importance of promoting eco-friendly initiatives and responsible travel experiences. By aligning with these values, Cyprus can further strengthen its appeal to this market, positioning itself as a destination that not only offers natural beauty and cultural richness but also prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead to next year, Koumis underscored the importance of maintaining the momentum achieved in 2024. The impressive growth in the French market this year sets a high benchmark, and Cyprus is committed to sustaining this performance. By continuing to strengthen relationships with key tourism players in France and adapting to the evolving preferences of French travelers, the island can further solidify its standing as a top destination for both mainstream and niche tourism markets.
In his vision for the future, Koumis stressed the need for innovation in tourism strategies to stay competitive. He emphasized that Cyprus must keep adapting to the dynamic tourism landscape, ensuring that it offers not only traditional vacation packages but also sustainable and unique travel experiences. By embracing these changes, Cyprus can remain a preferred destination for French tourists, maintaining its success while contributing to a greener, more sustainable global tourism industry.
