The Ministry of Transport is preparing an action plan to make up for the loss of tourists from the Russian and Ukrainian market, Communications and Works Ministry, Transport, Communications and Works Minister Yiannis Karousos said on Friday.
Karousosos, who was answering a reporter's question at the ministry, noted that it is estimated that tourists from Russia and Ukraine exceed 25% of the total number of tourists.
"This year we expected to have a year close to the 2019 figures, since the companies' planning has shown that we would have about 90% of the seats of 2019. We would have been very close if it were not for the war," he said, referring to 2019 being a record year for Cypriot tourism.
"Now, we know that no matter what, we know that the Russian and Ukrainian markets have been lost this year," he said, noting that the ministry is preparing a plan to promote Cypriot tourism in markets that can make up for some of this loss.
"The countries we are orienting ourselves towards are European and Middle Eastern countries," he said, noting the work being done in this area by both the Ministry of Transport and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
The Minister also referred to the new destinations of the Cypriot airline TUS, which he described as "the result of the correct and methodical work that has been done in recent years."
He also noted that there is great interest, both from airlines and from the cruise sector.
"There is interest from the world's largest cruise ships to make Limassol port as a base," he said, noting the significant revenues generated by this sector, since, he said, a cruise ship leaves the economy at least €1 million a day.
Source: CNA
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
