Cyprus tourism soars despite Russian sanctions

Tourism in Cyprus appears to be recovering from the repercussions of sanctions on Russia, following the invasion of Ukraine, recording an increase of 8% compared to 2019 which was a very good season for the island, according to figures discussed on Tuesday during a parliamentary committee on tourism in the presence of Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis.

It was pointed out however that some businesses are still facing a serious sustainability issue and calls are made to the government for support so that they won’t close down.

Chair of the Committee Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis said that the businesses that are seriously affected by Russian sanctions could get assistance from the government in order to also curb unemployment.

He called for a support plan by the government.

The Deputy Minister said that there was a blow as regards tourist arrivals from Russia and Ukraine but also an increase in the expenses of tourist businesses which leads to a rise in prices.

He said that in 2019 the tourists from these two markets reached 876,000 or 22% of total arrivals.

Koumis said that there is indeed a sustainability issue, adding that the government has the political will to support businesses faced with such problems. He said that the government waits to hear from the EU on a plan it proposed.

Koumis said that this year's arrivals show a 38% increase compared to last year.