The meeting, which is part of the flagship actions of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, was held in the presence of officials and other service agents of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of Nicosia, and the Nicosia Tourism Development and Promotion Company.

Through the discussion, among the participants, the common belief emerged that with through proper planning, Nicosia can become a tourist destination unique in Cyprus, aiming to highlight its cultural identity and historical character.

Koumis stated in this regard, "We are here, within the framework of our institutionalised visits, to the individual destinations of our country, with the aim of exchanging views with the Mayor of Nicosia and his associates on the present and future of Nicosia as a tourist destination. I will repeat something that I have mentioned several times, that it is not in the interest of our country's tourism, and the economy more broadly, that Nicosia, the capital of our country, has not become a particularly popular destination in all the previous years, despite the boom in tourism in the coastal zone of our country.” 

He continued by saying, “I believe that it is the responsibility of all of us to upgrade the capital's tourism. It is important to note that during this period of time, various developments are taking place in the right direction, which may form the basis, I would say, for the further tourism development of Nicosia as a city, but mainly as an urban destination. I am referring mainly to the prescribed increase in tourist beds.”

Koumis  further added that essentially, it is expected that by 2027 the number of tourist beds in Nicosia will double, as at least four more units with an equal number of beds are expected to operate. This specific parameter – along with other parameters concerning Nicosia itself as a tourist destination – the recent awards of Nicosia as Culinary Capital 2024 by the World Food Travel Association and the award as Best Beverage Experience Destination for Culinary Travellers, as well as the parallel positive outlook concerning our country's tourism more broadly, such as the dramatic improvement of air connectivity, are issues that must be taken into account in this entire effort. And I believe that with proper cooperation between the public and private sectors, the capital of our country can be further developed in terms of tourism.

Koumis  emphasised that the point is to collaborate efficiently, to jointly highlight, public and private sectors, the comparative advantages of the Nicosia destination.

Charalambos, in turn, stated, "Nicosia can contribute substantially to the upgrading of our country's hospitality product. By offering different characteristics from the country's traditional tourist destinations, it can build on its comparative advantages: its culture and history, its gastronomy and architectural wealth, but also the dynamics of an extroverted European economic, administrative, academic and research centre. It is a city that combines the old and the modern and maintains its authenticity and coherence. (…).”