Cyprus “was, is, and will always be a safe destination” for tourism, Tourism Deputy Minister Costas Koumis said on Sunday.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the day’s Cyprus Marathon, which was held in Paphos, and said that the marathon in and of itself “is a very important message, that tourism activity in our country continues unhindered”.

Regarding the potential impact on Cyprus’ tourism industry that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may have, he said that “it is too early to make firm estimates regarding the course of the year in terms of tourism”.

“We are only on the seventh day of a new conflict which does not concern Cyprus. Cyprus has never been part of this equation. Our role is very different, and very supportive for peace to prevail,” he insisted.

He then added that in recent days, “there have been some impacts on tourism”.

“Tourism has already been affected, at least these days,” he said, pointing out the ongoing cancellations of flights in and out of Cyprus’ airports, and also saying there has been a “slowdown in bookings” of tourist accommodation in Cyprus for the weeks and months ahead.

With this in mind, he said that “we are now dependent on the course of events and the escalation of the conflict”.