Koumis hails Paphos tourism gains and new sustainability efforts
Paphos solidified its position on the global tourism map in 2024, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said during this week’s general meeting of the Paphos regional tourism board (Etap).
He highlighted the strong partnership between Etap and the Deputy Ministry, which has driven targeted promotional efforts.
Koumis also commended initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall quality of the tourism experience in the region.
Notably, a digital campaign launched in 2024 targeted 14 markets, particularly the UK, Germany, Poland, and France, reaching more than 8 million unique users.
Alongside promotional efforts, Koumis also referred to key improvements in the tourism offering.
These include the development of nature trails, cycling routes, and cultural heritage projects in the Paphos hinterland, which enhance the visitor experience and contribute to sustainable tourism.
The deputy minister further noted actions such as coastal protection from plastics, environmental clean-ups, and tree planting as part of Etap’s broader environmental agenda, supported by both the Deputy Ministry and the international tourism community.
He also welcomed the agency’s active participation in five European programmes, which bring technical expertise and promote partnerships with other destinations.
Referring to infrastructure upgrades, he described the planned Paphos marina in Kissonerga as an “emblematic project” currently progressing toward its February 2027 completion date.
Koumis underlined Paphos Airport’s increasing connectivity, now served by 16 airlines with routes to 58 airports across 21 countries.
He also mentioned that 2024 marked a record year for Cypriot tourism, with over 4 million arrivals and revenues exceeding €3 billion for the first time.
“Tourism is the driving force of the Cypriot economy,” he said, adding that these achievements were the result of methodical work, sound market decisions, and strong cooperation across the tourism ecosystem.
In this success, Paphos played a central role, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of all arrivals and overnight stays.
Turning to 2025, Koumis said tourism continues to perform strongly, with arrivals from January to April rising by 15.6 per cent year-on-year, 17.5 per cent above 2023 levels, and 62 per cent higher than in 2022.
“At the centre of every strategy and every political action we prioritise the tourism enterprise, authentic and unique hospitality, and it is in this context that we must invest,” he noted.
In his own address, Etap chairperson Kyriacos Drousiotis acknowledged the current geopolitical instability, rising inflation, labour shortages, and water scarcity affecting the tourism sector.
Nevertheless, he reported that Paphos welcomed about 1.455 million visitors in 2024, corresponding to around 36 per cent of all arrivals, generating €1.15 billion in foreign exchange.
The positive results, he said, were due to a rebound in key markets such as the UK, Poland, France, and Italy, increased flight capacity by Ryanair, EasyJet, jet2, and Wizz Air, competitive fares, and the growing number of independent travellers and short-term rental guests.
He added that digital campaigns, new travel packages by tour operators, and broader market maturity also contributed to the destination’s resilience.
The event also featured audiovisual presentations showcasing Etap’s 2024 initiatives, and concluded with a reception and artistic programme.
Among those present were local MPs, mayors, community leaders, government officials, tourism professionals and business representatives.
