As part of efforts to increase Cyprus’ much-needed air connectivity, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and Hermes Airports will participate at two upcoming specialised fairs.
The ultimate goal is for Cyprus to become a more attractive destination for visitors from numerous markets, as well as to give residents of Cyprus the opportunity of direct flights to new destinations.
Specifically, representatives of the two agencies will visit Routes Europe fair in Bergen in April, and the Route World in Milan in September.
However, there is a lot of behind the scenes activity going on now along with plenty of lobbying because it is at the  end of summer that air companies their next season’s flight schedule.
The summer flight schedule will be announced by Hermes Airports soon. At the moment, two major European capitals – Paris and Madrid – have no connectivity with Cyprus. And these two are Hermes’ target over the coming years.
Although many meetings focusing on this issue have taken place with different airlines, this remains a burning desire for Hermes.
However, insiders told Phileleftheros that Cyprus is close to launching a route from Saudi Arabia, while stakeholders are also negotiating one from Abu Dhabi.
Hermes Airports said the number of winter passengers increased by 7% last year, and by 4.5% over the whole of 2019 to break the 11 million mark for the first time.
The company aims to see passenger traffic exceeding 14 million by 2030, with 35% of it taking place in winter. Hermes will seek to further penetrate European markets with increased flights and connectivity with more European cities.
Hermes Airports Senior Director of Communications and Marketing Maria Kouroupis told Cyprus Hoteliers Association conference attendants recently that there are various travel trends. Such as the solo travelers who are more flexible, and interested in adventures and activities.
Then there are the Bleisure travelers who combine business with pleasure. Another trend are those combining two or more countries – Country Coupling.
Kouroupi also said grandchildren tend to travel with grandparents, and that travelers now also seek fewer day trips with less organisation.
She also referred to eco-travel, saying travelers today are more aware of environmental pollution and emissions by airplanes.
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