nicosia hotels — nicosia hotels — Nicosia’s hotels are fully prepared to host the influx of delegates expected to arrive in Cyprus for the country’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, according to Christiana Iacovidou, president of Nicosia’s hoteliers association (Pasyxe). Many properties have undergone substantial renovations in anticipation of this significant event.
In an interview with Xenodochos magazine, Iacovidou expressed confidence in the city’s hotel sector, stating that they are entering the EU Presidency period better prepared than in previous years. “We are fully prepared to welcome the delegates,” she said, highlighting the serious renovations undertaken by hotels for this purpose.
Cyprus last held the rotating EU Presidency in the second half of 2012, and Iacovidou believes that the experience gained since then has equipped local hotels to meet the demands of this institution once again. “Our goal is for this institution to succeed for our country and for the delegates to leave with the best impressions,” she added.
However, Iacovidou also issued a note of caution, emphasising that the Presidency alone will not resolve Nicosia’s ongoing tourism challenges. She argued for the need for a long-term tourism strategy to ensure that the benefits of hosting international events extend beyond the immediate influx of visitors.
To increase visitor flows and ensure that hotels can operate smoothly throughout the year, Iacovidou stressed the importance of a coordinated strategy involving all stakeholders for at least the next five years. This plan should include the creation of new infrastructure and better utilisation of existing facilities, focusing on conference tourism, cultural tourism, and short city breaks.
The old city, in particular, requires urgent attention, according to Iacovidou. “It needs to be beautified and cleaned,” she noted, suggesting that a clear vision for its future use should be developed to enhance its appeal to visitors.
Reflecting on recent performance, Iacovidou stated that 2025 has closed broadly in line with 2024 for Nicosia’s hotels. Looking ahead, she anticipates a stronger year in 2026, driven largely by the impact of the Cyprus EU Presidency.
In preparation for the upcoming Presidency, existing hotels have already invested significant funds into upgrades over the next six months. Additionally, permits have been granted for new hotel units expected to come online within the next five years, further bolstering the accommodation capacity.
Despite these advancements, Iacovidou reiterated that without a comprehensive strategy for boosting tourism in the capital, all hotels will continue to face operational challenges, even as major international events provide a temporary uplift in demand.
