Perdios who was replying to journalists’ questions after a cabinet meeting, at the presidential residence in Troodos, also expressed his satisfaction over results so far this year on tourist arrivals, and noted that the effort for tourism growth should be continuous and that a 10-year national tourism strategy will be presented by the end of this year, while the operational plan which is part of it has been completed.

Replying to a question on tourist arrivals he said that the deputy ministry had already noted that if the number of tourist arrivals this year is in similar levels to 2018, it would be satisfied.

He also cautioned that certain tourist markets are going through a difficult phase and gave the example of Russia, due to the competition with other countries and the UK market due to Brexit.

Perdios clarified that the National Tourism Strategy will be presented by the end of this year and also pointed out that the operational plan has been completed following consultations with all tourism bodies in Cyprus and abroad and that the Deputy Ministry expects to have comments by the ministries by the end of August.