Newsroom
Cyprus is gearing up for a pivotal event tomorrow, with the ''Beyond Sea and Sun'' conference set to bring together key players from the global tourism industry to discuss the future of the island's tourism sector. Organized by Hermes Airports, the conference aims to tackle the pressing issues of seasonality and the qualitative development of Cyprus' tourism product.
With Cyprus at a critical crossroads, facing global challenges such as climate change and shifting passenger preferences, the conference will serve as a platform for experts to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive roadmap that ensures the long-term growth and sustainability of tourism in the country.
The event will feature distinguished speakers, including Eftyhios Vassilakis, Chairman of Aegean Airlines, Stephen Paul Heapy, CEO of Jet2holidays, and Michael Delehant, CCO of Wizz Air. They will share their insights on Cyprus’ potential to evolve into a year-round destination that appeals to a wider variety of tourists.
A highlight of the conference will be the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, who will present the government's vision for the future of tourism. The President will engage in an in-depth discussion with Athanasios Ellis, journalist from Kathimerini Greece, providing an invaluable look at Cyprus' strategic plans to enhance the island's tourism appeal.
Former Athens mayor, Costas Bakoyannis, will also participate, offering his perspective on the successful transformation of Athens into a year-round tourist hotspot. He will discuss how Cyprus can adapt similar strategies to boost tourism beyond the traditional summer months. Bakoyannis will be in conversation with Yannis Olympios, founder of the V&O Group, known for his innovative approaches to tourism development.
Global branding and communication expert, Peter Economides, will take the stage to discuss how Cyprus can reposition itself on the world map, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the island’s image to attract a broader range of visitors.
The conference will delve into emerging global trends in tourism, focusing on the importance of travel experiences and sustainability. Kostas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism, will be among those leading discussions, along with Vassiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister of Culture, and Antonia Theodosiou, Commissioner for the Environment. Mayors from Nicosia, Larnaca, and Paphos will also share their insights into how local initiatives can complement national efforts to boost tourism.
Tourism professionals from around the world will also contribute their expertise. Yrjötapio (Y.T.) Kivisaari, CEO of Visit Oulu, Ged Brown, CEO of Season Traveller, Jelena Stupalo, Director of Solin Tourism Service in Dalmatia, Croatia, and Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director of Communications at Athens Airport, will provide valuable insights into global tourism strategies and innovations.
The "Beyond Sea and Sun" conference is made possible by Hermes Airports, with sponsorship from Hellenic Bank and Eurobank. The communication sponsor is Kathimerini newspaper, and the event is being produced and organized by Sppmedia Events.
As Cyprus looks to secure its position as a year-round destination, this conference promises to be a crucial step in shaping the future of the island’s tourism industry.
For more details and the full program, visit www.sppmedia.com/events.
