EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The speech was delivered at the Annual General Assembly of a Cypriot tourism association and focused on celebrating achievements, recognizing the role of hotel managers, and outlining strategic goals for the future.
The speaker highlighted that, despite global challenges, Cyprus experienced growth in tourism arrivals, revenue, and average visitor spending. Hotel managers were credited as key contributors to this success due to their leadership, flexibility, and commitment.
The role of hotel managers was emphasized as multifaceted — not just operational but strategic — and their input should be included in shaping national tourism policy. The launch of the “100+ Future Hotel Managers” initiative was announced, aimed at developing future leaders with strategic thinking, environmental awareness, digital skills, and cultural sensitivity.
The importance of delivering meaningful guest experiences was stressed, along with the concept of tourism consciousness — a mindset of pride in the country and treating every visitor as a guest, not just a customer.
Technology was recognized as a valuable tool for enhancing service, not replacing people. Sustainability was also a major focus, with calls to reduce waste, support local economies, and respect the environment and culture.
The speech called for a shift toward year-round tourism, taking advantage of Cyprus’s mild winters and diverse offerings. It also urged universities to align education with industry needs and promoted stronger collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
Finally, the speech ended with a heartfelt tribute to the professionals — the Philoxenists — who bring hospitality to life, and a call to work together in building the future of tourism with courage, pride, and vision.
OFFICIAL SPEECH OF CHAIRMAN
Honourable Minister of Transport, Communications & Works,
Honourable Deputy Minister of Tourism,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Members and Friends of the Association,
It is with great pleasure, a sense of responsibility, and pride that I welcome you to our Annual General Assembly — a moment for reflection and strategic vision. It is an opportunity to honor those who work quietly and effectively, keeping Cypriot tourism attractive, high-quality, and resilient to challenges.
The past year was a special one. Amid global uncertainties and increasing competition, Cyprus achieved very strong tourism results:
- We saw an increase in visitor arrivals.
- The summer season was slightly extended.
- Revenue and per capita spending increased.
These results were made possible thanks to the pivotal contribution of hotel managers, who, through their hard work, training, experience, and dedication, turned vision into reality.
- They applied diversification strategies.
- They managed crises with maturity and flexibility.
- They trained and supported their teams.
- The role of a hotel manager is not merely executive.
It is multidimensional: leader, coordinator, innovator, mediator between guests, teams, and property owners. Their strategic position must be recognized in shaping national tourism strategy. The views of hotel managers must be considered when decisions about the future of tourism are made.
At the same time, we acknowledge the need to improve and evolve. Our professional development is a prerequisite for progress. That’s why our new project, “100+ Future Hotel Managers”, is a central priority. We aim to cultivate a new generation with strategic thinking, ecological awareness, digital skills, and cultural sensitivity.
Dear friends,
At the heart of everything remains the visitor’s experience. Today’s traveler doesn’t just seek accommodation. They seek storytelling, emotion, authenticity. They want to live, feel, and gather memories to carry home — and it is important to us that they want to return to Cyprus because they felt truly satisfied. The hotel — and especially its hotel managers — are the directors of this experience. From welcome to farewell, from the ordinary to the inevitable “unfortunate moment” when something goes wrong — every detail contributes to a lasting impression in the guest’s heart.
This also highlights the value of tourism consciousness. It is not only a profession, but a way of life: to love your land, to promote it with pride, to treat each guest as a true visitor — not just a customer — and to inspire your team with the same spirit. Or as we like to say:
“Tourism success is a by-product of tourism consciousness!”
We are proud to be among the main sponsors and partners of the affiliated organization “Cypria Philoxenia,” which aims to promote the culture of local hospitality, best practices, and their integration into business operations.
Technology is now an inseparable part of the tourism product. AI-driven service, automation, data-based strategies, virtual tours — all these are tools we must learn to use. Not to replace the human touch, but to enhance the experience. To be more accurate, responsive, flexible, and efficient.
We must not overlook the importance of sustainability. A hotel must respect the environment, the local society, and its community in order to aim for long-term success. We must educate our teams and raise awareness among our guests. To recycle, reduce waste, support the local economy, and promote local culture.
The tourism season must not be restricted mainly to the summer. Especially now with climate change, extremely high summer temperatures and very mild winters may soon shift holiday preferences. Cyprus has endless potential: culture, gastronomy, nature, infrastructure. We are obligated to develop experiences for every month, age, and interest — extending the season significantly, benefiting all: local communities, businesses, and employees.
To achieve all of this, support from institutions is essential. Senior positions need fresh perspective, professionalism, and knowledge. That is why we call on public and private universities to work with us, adjusting their programs to the real needs of the industry. To encourage student internships and strengthen collaboration with the sector. Tourism is not just academic — it is action, experience, and human connection.
Similarly, we expect the Deputy Ministry, which we all enthusiastically supported in its creation, to remain flexible and close to industry needs — helping us adapt and continuously improve our product.
This year, our Association will increase its activity in regional communities. We will be present, useful, and active — always in collaboration with local authorities, businesses, and all stakeholders.
Because tourism is everyone’s business. And now, allow me to close appropriately. With honor and respect, I address the true Philoxenists. To you. To all of us.
You who keep the value of Cypriot hospitality alive. You who dedicate yourselves passionately to a mission combining entrepreneurship, emotion, culture, and pressure. You who are the face of the hotel, the heart of the team, the bridge to the world.
Tourism is not just numbers. It is people. It is memories. It is dreams. And Philoxenists are the visionaries and orchestrators of those dreams.
Dear colleagues,
We do not predict the future. We create it — With methodical work and vision. And we create it together —with courage, knowledge, integrity, and pride.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being with us today.
Marios Ellinas, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
April 4th 2025.