Cyprus has won continued support from Europe’s largest tour operating group in the wake of its banking crisis.
Senior executives from Tui Travel met Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades to pledge their backing for the island.
The prospects of recovery for Cypriot tourism and the broader economy, as well as the role tourism can play to spearhead the country’s effort to restart its economy were discussed at the meeting.
Tui Travel deputy chief executive Johan Lundgren said that “tourists need Cyprus and Cyprus needs tourism”.
“Our message is that Tui Travel will continue to support Cyprus in its reform process and we look forward to continuing our investments on the island,” he said.
“Our relationship with Cyprus, which we consider a very important destination, goes back almost 50 years.
“We will need the support and assistance of various stakeholders; the Government, the authorities for tourism and our partners here, to seize the opportunity that we believe exists and ensure we can continue our development plan in Cyprus, but also expand this activity within the European markets.”
The senior management team, with representatives from the group’s mainstream UK and Nordic businesses, were joined at a 200-strong dinner by Cyprus tourism minister George Lakkotrypis, as well as local and international media and wider tourism industry representatives.