Speech of ACTA’s President, Mr. Vasilis Stamataris “TAXIDI 2019” Exhibition
Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the Cyprus Travel Agents Association (ACTA) and Display Art, I welcome you to today’s Grand Opening of “TAXIDI 2019” Exhibition, which is being held now for 22 consecutive years.
As it is known, the “TAXIDI” Exhibition is a point of reference for Cyprus tourism operations, since the Cypriot traveler can be informed about the tourist destinations and find out the available travel packages.
Once again, Exhibition has massive participation by businesses and organizations coming from the tourism industry. It is with great pleasure that we welcome the kiosks from Hellenic Tourism Organization (EOT), India, Poland, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism of Cyprus, Travel Agents, Airline Companies, Hotels, Tourist Resorts, Regions, Islands and Municipalities of Greece and many other tourist operators. The Exhibition offers completely and accurate information to travelers, guiding them how to spend their holidays both in Cyprus and abroad.
The 2018 figures for tourist arrivals were the highest ever recorded in Cyprus. Estimates at this time are that 2019 will be a challenged year. Although, we will try to manage to maintain the same figures as those of 2018 and 2017. We have done so much over these years, and our goal now is to stay at the numbers we have reached. We have this status of uncertainty with the English market due to Brexit but we continue our efforts to expand in other new markets mainly in Central Europe, Scandinavia and some in the Middle East.
Taking this opportunity, I welcome on board the Deputy Ministry of Tourism which constitutes a transformation of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO). The Deputy Ministry of Tourism established and operates in accordance with the provisions of the Cyprus Law and its main objective is to establish a strategic and supervisory authority with powers to develop a national strategy for tourism, promotion and projection of Cyprus as a tourist destination.
We, as the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), are ready to support our Members with responsible actions and constructive criticism on all tourism and travelling related matters, as well as with proposals and suggestions for the sector’s improvement.
We are pleased to present for another year “TAXIDI” Exhibition and we hope that you find it once again useful and fulfil. During the Exhibition, attractive offers will be available and visitors will be able to take part in competitions.
Finally, I want to thank our Sponsors, that without their contribution this Exhibition will not be as much successful. Our special thanks to “Down Town” Magazine, the Online Portal “in-cyprus”, the Radio Station “ACTIVE” and of course the TV Station “ALPHA CYPRUS” together with its Online Portal “alphanews.live”.
Thank you all for your patriation and wishing you a pleasant tour!