The tourism industry is set for a significant boost during the upcoming Festival of the Flood (Kataklysmos) long weekend, with locals and foreign visitors alike expected to take advantage of the favourable weather and extended break.
Hotel occupancy rates are projected to surpass 80% nationwide, exceeding 90% in some popular destinations, according to Philokypros Roussounides, Director General of the Cyprus Hotels Association (PASYXE). Famagusta’s free area and Paphos are expected to be the top choices for Cypriot holidaymakers, followed by Limassol, Larnaca, and the mountainous regions.
Roussounides acknowledged that tourist numbers are currently slightly below 2023 levels, with overnight stays down 5-10%. However, he attributed this to external factors like ongoing conflicts, elections in the UK, and sporting events in Europe, which may lead to a surge in last-minute bookings. He expressed confidence that Cyprus remains an attractive destination, particularly for short getaways.
While many Cypriots will vacation domestically, Greece and its islands remain a popular choice for outbound travel.
Haris Papacharalambous, President of the Association of Travel Agents, noted increased interest in destinations like Italy, France, and Poland due to improved flight connections, offering Cypriots a wider range of travel options.
Papacharalambous is optimistic about incoming tourism, expecting it to remain steady compared to 2023. Traditional source markets like the UK and Germany are performing similarly, and even arrivals from Israel, which faced potential war-related declines, continue to meet expectations.
Papacharalambous sees opportunities arising from challenges faced by competitors. He highlighted the case of Majorca, a smaller island struggling with the effects of mass tourism and discontent among local residents.
Cyprus, he said, with its focus on quality tourism and extending the tourist season, can capitalise on such situations to further refine its tourism offerings and establish itself as a more sustainable and responsible destination.
