Cyprus remains a safe tourism destination despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with industry partners at the ITB Berlin tourism fair in Germany.

Koumis said it was still too early to make firm estimates for the 2026 tourism season, noting that conflicts of this kind inevitably create uncertainty depending on their duration and escalation.

“It is too early for safe estimates. Such conflicts always create uncertainty, which evolves depending on the duration and escalation of tension,” he said.

He said Cyprus, as a tourism destination, is facing a geopolitical crisis of a different nature from those it has dealt with in previous years, while discussions with key tourism partners in Berlin suggested that confidence in the destination remains intact.

According to Koumis, the temporary reduction or cancellation of some flights in recent days was the main issue raised in meetings with airlines and tour operators, making the restoration of air connectivity the immediate priority.

However, he said the situation is already improving.

“By Sunday, European airlines will be back, although some have already returned. In essence, almost all airlines have returned, with the exception of airlines from Middle Eastern countries,” he said.

Koumis also said there were no signs of broader changes to tourism programmes for Cyprus.

“It is also very important to emphasise that no tour operator or airline has even considered reducing its programs to our country, an indication that our country remains high on the priorities of both airlines, tour operators, and certainly travelers,” he explained.

While some cancellations have been recorded, he explained that these mainly concern the immediate period and the coming weeks.

He added that similar cancellations have also been seen elsewhere in the Mediterranean, including the western part of the region, although to a lesser extent.

Koumis also stressed that Cyprus is not part of the conflict itself.

“Cyprus was, is and will be a safe destination,” he said, adding that “we must be optimistic, but also cautious. Tourism thrives in an environment of peace, trust and optimism, and bets are won only when there is a spirit of good will and optimism, and of course safety at the destination.”

During the Berlin exhibition, Koumis held meetings with major tourism organisations active in the German market and other key markets, as well as senior airline executives operating extensive flight programmes to Cyprus.

He also met a delegation from Luxembourg led by Economy, Small and Medium Enterprises, Energy and Tourism Minister Lex Delles, with talks focusing on the latest geopolitical developments and ways to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Separate meetings were also held with Greek Deputy Tourism Minister Anna Karamanli and World Travel and Tourism Council president Gloria Guevara, with discussions again focusing on recent developments affecting the sector.