Larnaca is set to maintain a steady flow of tourists during the winter months, according to current bookings and trends. The city’s hotels will remain open, reflecting confidence in continued demand from travellers.
Marios Polyviou, president of the Larnaca Hoteliers Association, provided insights into the positive outlook for winter tourism, highlighting the importance of three key markets: the United Kingdom, Israel, and Poland. Flights from these countries will continue to operate through Larnaca International Airport throughout the winter, ensuring accessibility for tourists.
Polyviou noted that the flight schedule from Wizz Air, which includes routes from various European cities, plays a significant role in bolstering winter tourism. This airline has become a crucial player in Larnaca’s travel landscape.
On September 18, Wizz Air will commemorate its fifth anniversary of establishing a base in Cyprus. An event at the departures area of Larnaca Airport will celebrate a milestone of ten million passengers who have travelled to and from the island with the airline. Dignitaries, including Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis and Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis, will be present to offer greetings.
Reflecting on the recent summer tourism season, Polyviou described activity levels as very good, with hotel occupancy reaching satisfactory levels. He reported a three per cent increase in overnight stays for July compared to the previous year, indicating a robust market.
Demand for alternative accommodation options like Airbnb continues to surge, with many international visitors choosing this type of lodging. A significant number of apartments in Larnaca have been registered on the Airbnb platform, catering to this growing preference.
In an exciting development for the city’s tourism landscape, approximately 20 new hotels are planned for Larnaca. According to Polyviou, recent figures from the Larnaca Town Planning Department indicate that there were 1,295 building permit applications in the first seven months of 2025. This reflects a strong interest in new developments, particularly boutique hotels in the city’s commercial centre.
Polyviou highlighted that both foreign and local investors are showing a keen interest in constructing new tourist accommodation. The Larnaca Town Planning Department reported a notable increase in building permit applications, up 53 per cent in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, and an impressive 73 per cent compared to 2022.
