Cyprus is seeing increased travel activity for the upcoming October 28 holiday weekend, with Greece and the UK remaining the most popular destinations, according to travel industry representatives.
“We are observing heightened travel movement from Cypriots during the October 28 weekend,” said Haris Papacharalambous, president of the Association of Travel Agents.
He noted that many will use this opportunity for short breaks or to visit children studying abroad.
Popular European destinations include Italy, France – particularly Paris – and Vienna, whilst some travellers are opting for domestic tourism at coastal and mountain resorts, despite unseasonably warm temperatures.
Winter tourism bookings are expected to match 2023 levels, despite regional conflicts and inflationary pressures affecting consumer purchasing power, Papacharalambous said.
Meanwhile, Greece is experiencing an 8% decline in holiday bookings compared to last year, according to the Federation of Hellenic Travel and Tourism Agencies.
Despite the overall decline, Macedonia region destinations including Kastoria, Zagorochoria, and Pindos are seeing strong domestic demand, alongside islands such as Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete.
For outbound Greek travellers, the Dalmatian Coast, Italy, Poland, Malta, Alsace, and Switzerland lead air travel bookings, whilst road trip destinations include Sofia, Ohrid, Dubrovnik, Belgrade, and Bucharest.
Turkey has emerged as a popular choice this year, with visitors heading to Istanbul, coastal areas, Izmir, and Cappadocia.