tourism exhibitions — The deputy ministry of tourism will promote the island’s industry at a total of 52 international tourism exhibitions in 2025, marking an increase of eight from the previous year. This strategic move aims to position Cyprus as a year-round, quality, environmentally friendly destination, according to the ministry’s statement.
The participation in these exhibitions is a cornerstone of the National Tourism Strategy 2030. This ambitious plan anticipates a 23 per cent rise in tourism overnights, targeting a total of 45 million by 2030. The strategy is designed to rebrand Cyprus beyond its traditional image of sun and sea, highlighting its diverse offerings.
Deputy Minister Costas Koumis recently represented Cyprus at the ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism exhibition, which attracted over 100,000 visitors in March. This event, along with exhibitions in key markets such as Israel, Austria, Britain, the USA, and the UAE, underscores Cyprus’ commitment to expanding its tourism footprint. Additionally, local initiatives like the Cyprus Travel Expo aim to bolster domestic tourism.
Last year, 36 of the 44 exhibitions Cyprus participated in focused on general tourist interest, while eight were niche sectors including wedding and romantic tourism, golf tourism, conference tourism, diving tourism, and cultural experiences. This targeted approach reflects the ministry’s goal of diversifying the tourism portfolio, appealing to various interests.
Tourism is a significant contributor to the Cypriot economy, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the GDP. If the tourism strategy achieves its aims, it could inject an additional €1.5 billion into the economy by 2030, according to the ministry. Furthermore, the plan for 2026 includes participation in another 47 international exhibitions, indicating a sustained commitment to international outreach and market development.
