Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis said he expects a good summer in terms of arrivals to Cyprus, adding that, along with the usual high volumes of visitors from the UK, increased arrivals from Poland, France, Scandinavian countries and Saudi Arabia are also on the cards.

Speaking after a meeting with Edek leader Marinos Sizopoulos on Friday, Koumis also said that the goal is to increase the number of arrivals by around 10 per cent compared to last year’s summer season.

“We are very optimistic,” Koumis said. “We are expecting increased arrivals from all countries, including our biggest market, the UK.

“On top of that, there are some new markets that we have started to invest in, such as the Saudi Arabia. We expect great results from there,” the deputy minister said.

Koumis added that after the Easter holidays there would be developments regarding issues that need legislative regulation, such as the operating hours of night clubs and a bill regulating noise pollution.

“We are in constant communication with the interior ministry on these issues, which have been a concern for the country’s tourism for decades and need immediate action,” he said.

On his part, Sizopoulos reiterated his party’s support to the deputy ministry, vowing “to cooperate and help in the best possible way.”

“Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Cypriot economy and therefore, regardless of our political affiliations, we all have to contribute to the effort of maintaining and further upgrading the quality of our offer and to make our country a popular destination,” Sizopoulos said.