Limassol hotels are grappling with lower demand this summer, leading to a reliance on local tourists and last-minute bookings to fill their rooms.
- Limassol hotels are grappling with lower demand this summer, leading to a reliance on local tourists and last-minute bookings to fill their rooms.
Christos Tsanos, president of the Limassol hoteliers association, shared insights with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) about the struggles faced by the hotel sector. He noted that by the end of May, bookings in Limassol had dropped by approximately 30 per cent compared to the previous year, a trend mirrored across other districts in Cyprus.
However, with recent positive developments regarding the Iran-United States conflict and adjustments to travel advisories from various countries, there is cautious optimism. Tsanos remarked that a reduction in the decline of bookings to around 20 per cent in June indicates a potential recovery.
“We expect that July will be supported by last-minute bookings and that August will also be strengthened by domestic tourism,” he explained, expressing hope for improved occupancy rates despite the challenging start to the season.
Last year, hotel occupancy in Limassol averaged around 80 per cent, but projections for this summer suggest figures may only reach 60 to 65 per cent. Tsanos poignantly stated, “The three summer months do not save an entire year,” highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the industry.
In his conversation, Tsanos underscored the need for Limassol hoteliers to maintain staffing levels and high service standards, particularly as they cater to a clientele with greater expectations. He stressed the importance of timely processing of work permits by the Labour Office, asserting that it is crucial for hotels to retain their legal employees.
“A challenge for us is also the immediate confirmation from the Labour Office of the issuance of the permits we request, so that we can keep our legal employees,” Tsanos added, pointing to the administrative hurdles that exacerbate the difficulties faced by the hospitality sector.
As the summer progresses, the call for government support becomes more pressing. Tsanos urged officials to provide tangible assistance rather than mere verbal assurances, expressing concern over the future of subsidy schemes that have been a lifeline for many in the industry.
