cyprus hotel — cyprus hotel — Hotel bookings in Cyprus are gradually improving after months of disruption linked to the crisis in the Middle East. However, the sector is still facing an average loss of around 20 per cent for the remainder of the season, according to Christos Angelides, president of the hotel managers association.
Angelides noted that the wave of cancellations that plagued the industry over the past two to three months has now subsided. There has been a noticeable uptick in bookings recently, providing a glimmer of hope for hoteliers looking to salvage the season.
Despite the positive trend, bookings have not yet rebounded to a level that can compensate for the previous cancellations, leaving industry leaders concerned about achieving a successful year. “We are working hard to reverse the decline through better pricing and targeted marketing campaigns, particularly for the domestic market,” Angelides explained.
He highlighted the rising costs of air fares and accommodation in alternative destinations, stating, “Destinations that were previously considered cheaper than us no longer are.” With many Cypriots facing financial considerations, there is a growing expectation that more locals may choose to holiday within their own country rather than travel abroad.
Flight cancellations and route changes have impacted the tourism sector, primarily driven by escalating aviation fuel prices. However, Angelides remains optimistic that if regional tensions ease, there could be a subsequent drop in fuel prices and air fares, which would benefit both the autumn and winter seasons.
Tourism from Israel has also begun to show signs of recovery after plummeting to nearly zero for a couple of months. Angelides mentioned that daily arrivals from Israel are on the upswing, and even short stays of two or three days can significantly aid Cyprus’ tourism recovery.
Last-minute bookings are becoming increasingly common and are expected to provide additional support to the sector throughout the remaining months. Despite these challenges, Angelides emphasised that maintaining the quality of services is imperative. “We must not let service quality slip under any circumstances,” he stressed.
The industry is grappling with two main challenges: managing the loss of hotel occupancy recorded during the peak months of March, April, and May, and ensuring that Cyprus does not lose its reputation as a quality and attractive destination.
Looking ahead, Angelides has called for a robust campaign aimed at restoring Cyprus’ standing in foreign markets and alleviating any safety concerns potential visitors may have. This initiative could be vital for regaining momentum through to the end of 2027, as the tourism sector seeks to rebuild and thrive.
