Newsroom
Former Athens mayor Costas Bakoyannis recently shared his views on how Cyprus can become a full-time tourist destination. In an interview with Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, he praised the island's many strengths, such as its year-round warm climate, rich history, high-quality infrastructure, and diverse offerings from the sea to the mountains. He also highlighted the potential for expanding alternative and religious tourism, which he believes could further boost Cyprus' appeal.
Bakoyannis emphasized the importance of warm hospitality, a key asset for both Greece and Cyprus, and pointed out the advantages of Cyprus being small in size, making it easy for visitors to explore various regions in a short amount of time. However, he also acknowledged some weaknesses, particularly the lack of cooperation between public and private sectors, as well as a strategic focus on "sea and sun" tourism, which he believes needs to shift toward more comprehensive, experience-based tourism.
One area where Cyprus could improve is in public-private partnerships, an approach Bakoyannis credits with Athens' success in increasing visitor numbers, especially in off-peak months. He mentioned the "This is Athens" campaign as an example of how Cyprus could also promote itself based on the experiences visitors can have, such as cultural events, food, and outdoor activities.
Looking ahead, Bakoyannis suggested that Cyprus could grow its tourism sector by focusing on conference tourism, wellness, and medical tourism. He also proposed targeting the elderly market, particularly from northern Europe, as the island's warm winters make it an ideal destination for this group.
Finally, Bakoyannis noted the significant role technology plays in tourism today. He stressed the need for the industry to stay up-to-date with technological advancements, particularly in terms of promoting destinations, improving visitor experiences, and adapting services based on emerging trends.
In summary, while Cyprus already has a solid tourism foundation, Bakoyannis believes the island could benefit from more collaboration, expanded tourism offerings, and a strategic focus on unique visitor experiences to become a true year-round destination.
*This article was translated and summarized from its Greek original
