UK warning may weigh on Cyprus tourism demand

Poland’s upgrade of its travel advisory for Cyprus to level 1 marks a positive development for the country’s tourism outlook, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis.

The travel advisory upgrade by Poland to level 1 places Cyprus in the category recommending normal caution, improving its international safety perception.

Koumis described the development as “particularly positive”, stating that it strengthens Cyprus’ image as a safe tourist destination.

In comments to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), he also referred to the recent informal meeting of EU tourism ministers, highlighting its impact on perceptions of the country.

“A message of optimism was conveyed by the informal meeting of EU tourism ministers,” Koumis said.

“All participants had the opportunity to experience the destination first-hand, confirming the high level of safety and the hospitality offered,” he added.

He further stated that several delegates referred in their interventions to the positive image projected by Cyprus as a tourist destination, as well as the hospitality they experienced.

Asked about the outlook for the summer tourism season, Koumis expressed cautious optimism despite encouraging signs of recovery.

“It is still too early for safe forecasts despite the positive indications,” Koumis said.

“The developments in the particularly sensitive sector of air transport will play a decisive role,” the deputy minister added.

At the same time, the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA) also expressed optimism regarding tourist arrivals ahead of the summer season.

“The upgrade of the travel advisory for Cyprus by Poland to level 1, combined with the hosting of the informal meeting of EU tourism ministers on the island, strengthens the country’s image in terms of safety, which is expected to be reflected positively in tourist arrivals,” said ACTTA spokesperson Antonis Orthodoxou.

Moreover, the stated that recent developments “create positive prospects for the current tourism season“, while also pointing to potential risks.

A possible restraining factor for the United Kingdom tourism market remains a warning published on the website of the country’s foreign office.

This warning states that the possibility of terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be excluded, which may affect traveller sentiment.

“It may influence the psychology of travellers,” Orthodoxou said.

He added that this could lead some visitors to reconsider or even cancel their travel bookings.

According to the latest update, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advisory places the Republic of Cyprus at level 1, which is the general advisory level.

At the same time, it recommends increased caution when travelling to the northern occupied areas of Cyprus, as well as near the British military bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

In the case of the UK, the updated advisory reiterates that the possibility of terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, the United States classifies Cyprus at level 3 travel advisory, recommending reconsideration of travel for American citizens.