The Cyprus hoteliers association Pasyxe has embraced a new chapter with the election of Yiannos Pantazis as its president, a position that comes with significant responsibilities and expectations. This transition follows Thanos Michaelides’ commendable three-year tenure, during which he has left an indelible mark on the association and the wider tourism landscape of Cyprus.
- The future of Cyprus’ tourism lies in the hands of its leaders, and with Pantazis at the forefront, there is a palpable sense of hope and ambition for what is to come.
As the association celebrated its 90th anniversary during the annual general meeting in Nicosia, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of history and future potential. Distinguished guests, including President Nikos Christodoulides and members of the business community, gathered to witness this pivotal moment.
Pasyxe: Marking a Milestone
Yiannos Pantazis, stepping into the role of president, expressed deep gratitude for Michaelides’ contributions. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in a sector that has faced unprecedented disruptions due to the pandemic and current geopolitical uncertainties. Pantazis is determined to advance the hotel industry and tourism in Cyprus, ensuring that they rise to new heights.
A New Leadership Team
The newly elected board for the 2026–2029 term includes a mix of experienced members eager to contribute to the growth of Cyprus’ tourism sector. With Andreas Kapetanios as deputy president and Panayiotis Constantinou as first vice president, the board aims to foster collaboration and innovation.
Reflecting on Achievements
Michaelides, during his farewell address, reflected on the association’s significant role in the development of Cyprus’ hotel and tourism industry over the last 90 years. He highlighted a remarkable recovery in tourism, with 2025 projected to achieve over 4.5 million arrivals, a 12.22% increase from the previous year. This surge is a testament to the resilience of the sector and its crucial contribution of nearly €3.7 billion in revenue to the Cypriot economy.
Addressing Challenges
However, the optimism surrounding tourism has been tempered by recent crises in the Middle East, which have cast a shadow over hotel occupancy rates. Michaelides emphasised the urgency of strengthening the state’s preparedness to protect Cyprus’ tourism product. Proposals have been put forward to bolster the sector’s resilience, including the establishment of a permanent crisis management team and a streamlined licensing process to facilitate investment.
Embracing Innovation
A highlight of the annual meeting was the introduction of Xenios Analytics, Pasyxe’s new digital platform designed to enhance decision-making within the hotel sector. This innovative tool will collect and analyse data on hotel performance, offering valuable insights to stakeholders and enabling them to make informed decisions.
Looking Ahead
As Pantazis takes the helm, he is committed to justifying the trust placed in him by Pasyxe members. His vision includes a collaborative approach with the association’s general director and the broader membership to navigate the evolving landscape of tourism in Cyprus. President Christodoulides congratulated Pantazis and reaffirmed the importance of Pasyxe as a strategic partner in enhancing the country’s tourism offerings.
The future of Cyprus’ tourism lies in the hands of its leaders, and with Pantazis at the forefront, there is a palpable sense of hope and ambition for what is to come.
