He was speaking from Paris where he is holding meetings with tourism stakeholders.

Authorities have stepped up efforts to open new markets and increase numbers from established tourism-generating countries such as UK and Israel to ease an anticipated shortfall of 800,000 visitors following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While acknowledging that Cyprus’ second biggest market – Russia – cannot be replaced overnight, they are optimistic increased air connectivity to European destinations, including France, will translate into stronger figures.

Perdios noted that two years go there were no direct flights between the two countries. Last year, with limited air connectivity to France, Cyprus welcomed about 35,000 French tourists. This year, capacity has jumped to 100,000 airline seats on five airlines offering direct flights between Cyprus and large French cities as a result of coordinated action by the deputy ministry, the transport ministry and Hermes Airports.

There will be 20 scheduled flights to and from France a week on five airlines — Wizz Air, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tus and Transavia — connecting Cyprus with Paris, Marseilles, Toulouse, Lyon and Strasbourg.

Perdios said there is the immediate prospect for arrivals this year, as well opportunities medium-term.

“The opening being made in France this year has not been done before. Combine this with the fact that there are available beds because of the Ukrainian crisis and at the same time there is enthusiasm in France because of the flights,” Perdios said.

Advertising has been stepped up, and there is excitement about Cyprus’ new tourism identity. “This is the best time to enter the French market,” he said and urged tourism stakeholders to support the French market.

Perdios said businesses should showcase a product matching what the French – who know about culture, history, food and wine and are looking for something authentic — want.

“At the destination level, I believe a lot of improvements have been made in the past two years that could spark interest in this market,” he added.

Source: Cyprus Mail