The recent visit by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Cyprus has generated significant interest and reflects the growing bilateral relations between Cyprus and Qatar. Deputy Minister of Tourism, H E Kostas Koumis, highlighted the media attention and coverage that the visit received, which could help promote tourism in Cyprus by showcasing its attractions, culture, and landmarks to potential tourists. This visit also serves as an opportunity to demonstrate hospitality to the Qatari people and raise awareness of Cyprus in the Qatari tourism market.
The governments of Cyprus and Qatar are currently working on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in various fields related to tourism and business events of common interest. Koumis mentioned that there are incentive schemes for tour operators to promote Cyprus in the Qatari market, along with airlines being offered encouraging incentives to attract conferences, sports events, and training camps for sports teams to Cyprus. These initiatives aim to boost tourism and attract international visitors to Cyprus.
Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism is focusing on promoting the tourism investment sector to position Cyprus as an ideal destination for tourism investments. By participating in hospitality investment forums and other promotional events, Cyprus aims to highlight its investment opportunities to potential international investors. Collaboration with InvestCyprus, the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency, is also underway to attract foreign direct investment in strategic investment projects, with a particular focus on promoting the opportunities offered in the InvestCyprus Project Bank to international investor funds, including those from Qatar Investment Authority.
Strategic investment projects in the tourism sector in Cyprus encompass hospitality, marinas, golf resorts, sports, adventure theme parks, and medical tourism. By targeting these areas for investment, Cyprus aims to further enhance its tourism offerings and attract investors who can contribute to the growth and development of the tourism sector in the country. The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism is actively engaging with various stakeholders to promote these investment opportunities and attract foreign direct investment to support the tourism industry in Cyprus.
Overall, the visit by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Cyprus has sparked interest in the potential for closer cooperation between Cyprus and Qatar in the tourism sector. Through initiatives such as the signing of an MoU and the promotion of investment opportunities in strategic projects, Cyprus aims to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for international tourists and investors. By leveraging its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse tourism offerings, Cyprus seeks to attract visitors from Qatar and beyond and establish itself as a premier tourism destination in the region.