Cyprus Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis is encouraging UK agents and operators to promote travel outside the peak summer months.

Speaking to Travel Gossip at this year’s WTM, Kostas said that thanks to year-round airlift from the UK to Cyprus with airlines such as British Airways and Jet2 and good hotel availability, it’s an attractive proposition to the trade.

“It’s really important for us to encourage the extension of the tourist period for the winter to the UK market. Last year (November to March) we saw a 7% increase during winter compared to the previous year, and we expect to see that again this year.”

The UK has continued to remain the biggest market for Cyprus, with a 34.5% share.

For the first nine months of the year, UK arrivals stood at 1.1m, 5% higher than the same period last year.

Kostas added: “It’s been a very good year in terms of performance, and encouraging to see an increase compared to 2023.

“We faced challenges in the beginning of the year, mostly due to the financial situation across Europe, which of course affected other destinations, but I am very pleased that we are seeing an increase for the year from the UK market. We have really strong relationships with the British market.”