Greek Cypriot Tourism Secretary Kostas Koumis: We Did Not Pressure TUI

Reports from Alithia and other Greek Cypriot newspapers quoted Koumis, who spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), emphasizing that the Tourism Ministry's role is to promote the country as a tourism destination without coercion.

When asked if there was an agreement between the Greek Cypriot Administration and TUI or if any pressure was applied to end the day trips to the TRNC, Koumis explained that the situation involved a promotional campaign, as is common practice. He noted that these campaigns typically consist of two parts and that the Ministry has consistently excluded areas associated with the TRNC from its promotions.

Koumis stressed that the Tourism Ministry has always maintained a consistent policy of not collaborating with travel agencies that include accommodations in the TRNC. When questioned specifically about TUI's actions, he refrained from commenting on the practices of any specific tourism organization.

Regarding tourists entering the TRNC through legal ports and airports in Southern Cyprus, Koumis pointed out that this is related to the Green Line Regulation, which allows EU citizens arriving in Southern Cyprus to cross into the North.

PASYXE Welcomes TUI's Decision

According to Alithia, the Pancyprian Hoteliers Association (PASYXE) in the Famagusta region welcomed TUI's decision to terminate its day trips to the TRNC, calling it a "positive step." PASYXE Famagusta President Panayiotis Konstantinou expressed that this decision is an important measure to prevent the flow of visitors to the TRNC.

Konstantinou highlighted that the Larnaca and Famagusta regions are key areas where tourists often cross into the North, and TUI's decision could help curb this trend.

Concerns Over the Potential Backlash

Meanwhile, Politis reported concerns among those in the tourism industry, particularly those involved in organizing trips from Southern Cyprus to the TRNC. Sources suggested that the government's handling of the situation could backfire, as the overall impact on the tourism flow is relatively minimal. The newspaper estimated that these day trips involve only 10 to 15 organized visits daily, which are low-cost and could continue without TUI's involvement.

The article also noted that the government's move to influence TUI might be seen as ineffective and lacking substantial impact, according to industry sources.