Tourism Deputy Minister satisfied with arrivals’ increase
January 18,2024
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, expressed his satisfaction for the significant increase of tourist arrivals in Cyprus in 2023, compared to the previous year, emphasizing at the same time that efforts will continue not only in order to achieve good results in 2024, but also for the country’s tourist product to become even more attractive.
In a press release, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism notes that according to Statistical Service data, a total of 3,845,000 tourist arrivals were recorded in 2023 compared to 3,201,000 in 2022, i.e. an increase of 20.1%, with the arrivals in 2023 approaching those of 2019 which was a landmark year (3.3% less than 2019).
“The goal we set when assuming our duties was to achieve this year an increase in tourist arrivals of 5% – 10% compared to the previous year, while also noting that we will work with all our strength to achieve even better results” the Deputy Minister of Tourism noted.
He explained that this specific goal was not set by chance, but while taking into account geopolitical developments, the state of the economy in the main markets for Cyprus and specifically the high inflation that characterized most economies in Europe and beyond.
Koumis expressed great satisfaction at the announcement of the final official results, indicating that what pleases him the most is that “the vast majority of the market is satisfied with the final results.”
“We continue our efforts with the aim not only to get good results next year, but to make the country’s tourism product more attractive” he added.
In terms of 2023, the UK the was the top market with 1,302,125 arrivals and a 33.9% share, followed by Israel with 410,607 arrivals and a 10.7% share, Poland with 273,872 arrivals and a share of 7.1%, Germany with 211,216 arrivals and a share of 5.5%.
Noteworthy increases in arrivals were also recorded from other countries, such as Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Armenia, Georgia and all the Middle Eastern countries.
