Nicosia’s Tourism Boost: A Strategic Plan to Promote Cyprus’ Capital as a Cultural Hub

Published on December 18, 2025

On the 18th of December 2025, the meeting between the Cypriot Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, and the Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, in the Nicosia Municipality, proved to be quite important. The reason behind the holding of this meeting was to collectively devise an action plan that could increase the visibility of the capital as a sustainable alternative destination for urban tourism. Today, this project has proven to be the turning point in the development of Nicosia as a tourist destination.

The above discussion facilitated a meeting between representatives from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of Nicosia, as well as ETAP, or the Nicosia Regional Tourism Board. The three entities came together to find a solution to present Nicosia’s culture, history, and character to not only locals but also tourists. The strategy is designed to make it a major player in Cyprus’ tourism sector since it is a major city in Cyprus.

Aiming for Sustainable Tourism Growth in Nicosia

The meeting’s primary focus was to explore how Nicosia can become an attractive urban tourism destination, offering a distinctive experience compared to the island’s popular coastal resorts. As the capital city of Cyprus, Nicosia has long been overlooked in favor of the country’s famous beach destinations, but officials believe that with proper planning and investment, Nicosia can carve out its own niche in the tourism market.

Kostas Koumis, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, emphasized the importance of addressing this imbalance. He pointed out that it was not in the country’s best interest for the capital to remain on the sidelines of the tourism boom seen in coastal areas. “It is the responsibility of all of us to upgrade the capital’s tourism,” Koumis said, stressing the need for a concerted effort from both public and private sectors to promote Nicosia’s unique qualities.

Strategic Developments Set to Boost Nicosia’s Tourism Potential

The action plan discussed at the meeting included several key developments that will lay the foundation for Nicosia’s growth as a tourist destination. Among the most significant plans is the projected increase in accommodation capacity, which will play a vital role in attracting more visitors to the city. By 2027, the number of tourist beds in Nicosia is expected to double, with at least four new hotels planned to open in the coming years. This surge in accommodation options will not only cater to tourists but also serve business travelers and conference attendees, further contributing to the capital’s diverse tourism offerings.

In addition to the increase in hotel capacity, Nicosia has already begun to gain recognition for its cultural and culinary assets. The city’s selection as the 2024 Culinary Capital by the World Gastronomic Tourism Organisation highlights Nicosia’s vibrant food scene and its growing appeal to culinary tourists. This distinction, coupled with the city’s recent award as the Best Beverage Experience Destination, serves as a catalyst for promoting Nicosia’s gastronomy-focused tourism.

Koumis also noted that improving air connectivity to and from the capital is a key factor in the city’s tourism growth. Strengthening international flight links will help bring more travelers to Nicosia, making it easier for tourists to access the city from various global destinations.

Nicosia’s Unique Identity: A Blend of History, Culture, and Modernity

Nicosia’s potential as a tourism hub lies in its ability to offer a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Mayor Charalambos Prountzos underscored this by describing the capital as a city that seamlessly combines the old and the new. “It is a city that combines the old and the modern while maintaining its authenticity and coherence,” he explained.

Nicosia is home to a wealth of historical landmarks, from ancient walls and Byzantine churches to Ottoman-era buildings. The city’s architectural heritage offers a compelling reason for history enthusiasts to visit, while its contemporary offerings, such as modern art galleries, vibrant cafes, and trendy shops, appeal to younger travelers seeking a cosmopolitan experience.

The city’s unique location also contributes to its appeal as a European economic, administrative, academic, and research center. Nicosia’s status as a capital city with a blend of cultural heritage and a forward-looking approach positions it as a place that can offer something for every type of traveler.

Conference Tourism and Strategic Infrastructure Projects

In a bid to attract more business travelers, Nicosia is also focusing on conference tourism as a key priority. The city’s capacity to host international conferences, workshops, and academic events is expected to grow with the planned upgrades to its infrastructure. One significant development is the planned expansion of the city’s historic center, which will provide more opportunities for visitors to explore Nicosia’s rich heritage while attending events.

The city is also preparing to make full use of its new Archaeological Museum, which is set to become a major draw for tourists interested in Cyprus’ ancient history. Additionally, the planned development of a conference center at Sopaz will enhance the city’s ability to host large-scale events and attract international business and academic visitors.

These strategic infrastructure projects, combined with Nicosia’s rich history and cultural assets, position the capital as an attractive destination for conference tourism, which will bring in professionals and academics from around the world. This development aligns with the broader strategy of making Nicosia a multifaceted tourism destination that caters to both leisure and business visitors.

Public-Private Cooperation to Drive Tourism Growth

The collaboration between the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the Municipality of Nicosia is seen as essential to the success of these tourism initiatives. Both Koumis and Prountzos highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation in driving the city’s tourism agenda forward. This partnership will ensure that the necessary investments are made, and that tourism offerings are aligned with visitor expectations.

The plan includes the establishment of a tourist service point near Nicosia’s pedestrian areas, which will provide visitors with helpful information and guidance during their stay. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the city’s visitor experience and make Nicosia more accessible to tourists from all walks of life.

A Bright Future for Nicosia’s Tourism Industry

The above action plan indicates an attractive future for Nicosia’s tourism sector. Nicosia is promising to emerge as one of the major urban tourist destinations of Cyprus by focusing on the development of sustainable tourism, cultural tourism, culinary tourism, and conference tourism. A lot of development work has been carried out by the capital of Cyprus in the areas of infrastructure development and other cultural initiatives.

As this happens, with new developments taking place, Nicosia’s distinctness in terms of its historical, culture-rich, and modern setting will be evident, giving visitors an experience they will never forget. With this collaboration with both the private and public sectors, Nicosia will be on its way to improving its tourist scene and making it one of the must-see tourist destinations for those looking at the exciting part of Cyprus.