Breaking news

Ammochostos Hotels Open For Season Despite 42% Drop In Bookings

Introduction

Hotels in the Ammochostos region are proceeding with planned openings despite weaker bookings linked to regional tensions. Operators expect higher occupancy during the Easter period, supported by packages targeting domestic travelers.

Hotel Openings And Adjusted Operational Timelines

Panagiotis Konstantinou, President of PASYXE Ammochostos, said 65 hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras are already operating, with the remaining properties scheduled to open by the end of the month. A total of 252 accommodations are expected to be fully operational by the end of April. Bookings are down by about 42%, although cancellations have decreased, indicating potential stabilization in demand. Hoteliers are introducing local tourism offers for Easter to increase occupancy in the coming weeks.

Enhanced Local Attractions And Seasonal Appeal

Restaurants and other tourism businesses have also resumed operations across the region. Municipalities, including Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Deryneia, are preparing for increased visitor activity. George Tofinis, President of ETAP Ammochostos, said the region offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities, including religious events and coastal excursions. Spring conditions support outdoor tourism beyond the peak summer season.

Sporting Events And Strategic Tourism Development

Tourism authorities are promoting a series of sporting events to support seasonal demand. Scheduled events include a football academy tournament in early April, the Cyprus Road Race Grand Prix in Protaras and the International Open Water Swimming Cup on April 18–19, 2026. These events are expected to attract participants and visitors, contributing to early-season tourism activity. Event-driven demand remains a key component of regional tourism strategy.

Alpha Bank Reports Strong Underlying Q1 Performance Despite Capital Pressure

Robust Operational Performance

Alpha Bank’s first quarter 2026 report demonstrates a solid operational foundation, as confirmed by analyses from leading institutions such as Citi, JPMorgan, Jefferies, and Deutsche Bank. Despite an accounting impact from extraordinary one-off costs, the bank’s commercial momentum remains unmistakable, driven notably by fee income and resilient net interest margins.

Capital Position And Extraordinary Items

Quarterly results were weighed down by a lower-than-expected capital ratio and a €47 million expense linked to a voluntary exit program affecting around 350 employees. As a result, net profit totaled €182 million, falling 9% below market consensus. At the same time, the restructuring initiative is expected to generate annual savings of approximately €15 million.

Operating Metrics And Investor Insights

Analysts highlighted the strength of Alpha Bank’s underlying operations after adjusting for extraordinary items. Adjusted net profit reached €221 million, exceeding market expectations by 2%. Fee income increased 29% year-on-year to €140 million, supported by higher revenue from business lending fees, insurance services, investment banking and wealth management activities. Performing exposures and assets under management also reached record levels during the quarter, reinforcing the bank’s efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond interest income.

Market Valuation And Sector Commentary

Market commentary following the results remained broadly positive despite pressure on some balance-sheet metrics. JPMorgan described the quarter as showing underlying strength, while Deutsche Bank and Jefferies maintained buy recommendations with target prices reaching €4.85. At the same time, analysts continued to monitor pressure on net interest margins and dilution in common equity tier 1 ratios as banks adapt to changing market conditions.

Strategic Outlook

Alpha Bank is expected to provide additional details on its medium-term strategy during its investor day scheduled for the second half of 2026. Key areas of focus are expected to include the sustainability of fee income growth, capital trajectory management and shareholder returns. The bank has also maintained its earnings per share target of €0.40 for 2026, representing projected year-on-year growth of 11%.

First-quarter results highlighted Alpha Bank’s ability to maintain operational momentum despite pressure from one-off costs and capital-related challenges. Growth in fee-based activities and continued expansion in assets under management also reflected the bank’s broader effort to strengthen revenue diversification across its business segments.

Uol
eCredo
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter