cyprus hotel — Hotel bookings in Cyprus are experiencing a gradual improvement, although they remain below the expected levels for this time of year, according to Thanos Michaelides, chairman of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association (Pasyxe).
Speaking on Sunday, Michaelides noted, “We are at lower levels than we should have been for the month of May.” He indicated that this trend is likely to continue into June, reflecting ongoing challenges in the tourism sector.
Cyprus hotel: Slow But Steady Recovery
While there has been an uptick in bookings compared to March, the overall numbers still fall short of expectations. Michaelides explained that the gap caused by a significant drop in bookings earlier in the year has not yet been bridged. “We need to monitor the situation constantly to have a more correct forecast of how the summer season will develop,” he stated.
Hope for Last-Minute Bookings
Despite the current shortfall, there is cautious optimism regarding the potential for last-minute bookings. “Because there is a lot of last-minute bookings, we hold out hope that if there is an upward trend in bookings in June for July and August, we may have better results than we see now,” Michaelides added.
Impact of the Israeli Market
The Israeli tourism market is particularly significant for Cyprus. “Now the Israeli market is starting to move. We hope that this flow from Israel will continue,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of this demographic in boosting local tourism. Michaelides emphasised that the quick reflexes of the Israeli market could lead to a resurgence in visitors.
Human Resources and Competitive Pricing
Michaelides pointed out that the human factor is crucial in distinguishing Cyprus from other tourist destinations. “The human factor is what makes the difference in the tourism industry,” he stated, underscoring the value of well-trained staff in enhancing the visitor experience.
He also mentioned that the decline in bookings linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has put pressure on hotel staff. Fortunately, the government has responded positively to requests for support in terms of human resources for April.
In terms of pricing, Michaelides shared that the competitive nature of hotel rates remains a key focus. “Due to the situation, several hoteliers have also given additional discounts to tour operators,” he noted, which could attract more guests. Special pricing initiatives aimed at domestic tourists are also in place, as hotels seek to stimulate demand in a challenging environment.
