Kostas Koumis, the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Cyprus, has conveyed a sense of cautious optimism for the nation’s tourism sector, despite the uncertainty stemming from the recent announcement of a new tariff policy by the United States. In a statement to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Koumis stressed the need for careful monitoring of the situation as it develops.
When asked about the potential impact of the US tariff policy on Cyprus’ tourism industry, Koumis remarked that the issue necessitates both economic and specialist tourism analysis. He stated, “Essentially, a global trade conflict has just begun, creating uncertainty about the future of the global economy. It is still relatively early to make forecasts, and caution is required.”
Koumis emphasised that the tourism sector operates within a globalised context and is invariably influenced by worldwide economic trends. “The new U.S. tariff policy is expected to slow down growth in several countries and will undoubtedly trigger inflationary pressures, affecting the purchasing power of millions globally, and thus potential visitors,” he explained.
He also cautioned that a rise in airline ticket prices should be anticipated, which could affect tourism in both the short and medium term. Despite these concerns, Koumis reported a significant number of early bookings for holidays in Cyprus for 2025, stating, “We are entitled to feel cautiously optimistic.” He highlighted that for millions globally—especially in Europe, Cyprus’ main tourist market—travelling is no longer viewed as a luxury but as a necessity, thus transforming it from an elastic product to one of inelastic demand.
Koumis further noted the resilience of Cyprus’ tourism sector, asserting, “In recent years, we have heavily invested in strengthening our relationships with giants of the global tourism industry, particularly in countries with consistent growth, such as Poland, and have enhanced our nation’s air connectivity.”
Reflecting on arrivals for 2025 so far, Koumis revealed that detailed data for the initial two months of the year indicates a 15% increase in tourists. “We await statistical results from the Statistical Service for March. However, I am well aware of travel activity and can confirm that March concluded with an increase as well. These figures fill us with even more optimism,” he added.
Ultimately, Koumis acknowledged that a climate of significant economic, trade, and tourism uncertainty appears to be forming. He urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and monitor developments in the global economic, trade, and tourism sectors closely.
As Cyprus positions itself in the competitive tourism landscape, the Deputy Minister remains hopeful that strategic investments and a robust demand for travel will help sustain the sector amidst fluctuating global conditions.
Source : CNA
