A new National Tourism Strategy looking ahead to 2035, aimed at attracting 5 million visitors and enhancing the quality of the tourism product in line with sustainable development principles, was approved by the Council of Ministers on Friday, according to Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis.

In statements after the Cabinet meeting, Koumis announced the approval of a new, updated National Tourism Strategy, with a 2035 horizon. He noted that it is an updated version of the National Tourism Strategy 2030, which was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2020.

“The new National Tourism Strategy now covers the period until 2035, in order to be consistent with the purpose and time limit for achieving the 2035 vision set out in the long-term strategy for the sustainable development of Cyprus’ economy,” he added.

Koumis noted that the main objectives of the National Strategy 2035 are to further enhance the quality of the tourism product, continue developing tourism in line with sustainable development principles, transform the country into a smart destination, and establish it as a year-round destination.

He added that, compared to the previous National Strategy, the National Strategy 2035 places particular emphasis on sustainable tourism development, the green transition, digital transformation, and the improvement of infrastructure, especially accessibility infrastructure.

Responding to a journalist’s question, he said that the aim is to reach 5 million visitors by 2035, but with a different distribution than today, both across districts and throughout the year.

Replying to another question he said Cyprus now has visitors from more than 40 countries. “There are not many new markets left,” he said, noting that this number refers to countries with which there is direct air connectivity. He added that other countries considered noteworthy in the field of tourism are now the USA, China and India and that actions are being taken aimed at increasing demand over time, “so that we can discuss in the coming years” whether direct air connectivity could also be established.

Koumis also noted that the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is to collaborate with the Cyprus University of Technology to create a digital guide - an application - “which is something that is missing from our country as a tourist destination.”

CNA/EAN/EPH/2026

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY