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Cypriot Travelers Book 90% Of Easter Trips To Greece As Demand Holds

Resilient Market Dynamics

Cypriot travelers continue booking Easter trips despite slower demand linked to tensions in the Middle East, according to industry data. Reservation volumes are below earlier expectations but remain in line with last year’s levels. Bookings indicate stable demand during the holiday period despite external pressures.

Insights From The Travel Sector

An official spokesperson from the Association of Travel Agencies, Mr. Antonis Orthodoxou, noted that although the tourism market has experienced some delay due to the prevailing conflict, the overall performance has been solid. “We anticipated a higher volume, but the war’s impact has naturally moderated the pace of reservations,” he stated.

Traveler Destination Preferences

Around 90% of bookings are for travel to Greece, according to industry data. Other destinations include Paris, Disneyland, and London, with demand supported in part by Cypriot students based in the United Kingdom. Georgia and Armenia also recorded smaller shares of bookings, reflecting interest in alternative destinations.

Competitive Pricing And Package Details

Travel packages start at approximately €399, with pricing broadly stable compared to previous years. Final costs vary depending on accommodation and package selection. Departures are scheduled from Good Friday through the Tuesday following the Easter holiday period.

Event Invitation: Travel Expo Cyprus

Mr. Orthodoxou extended an invitation to those interested in the evolving travel landscape to attend the upcoming Travel Expo Cyprus event, scheduled for the weekend of April 18-19. This expo is expected to offer valuable insights and opportunities for both travelers and industry stakeholders.

Cyprus Banks Urged To Focus On Long-Term Resilience As Profits Remain Strong

The Cypriot banking sector remains in a strong position, supported by solid capital buffers and overall financial stability, according to speakers at the annual general meeting of the Association of Cyprus Banks. At the same time, government officials and regulators stressed that maintaining this position will require continued discipline and long-term planning.

A Strong Sector, But Not A Complacent One

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos used the meeting to highlight concerns over draft laws recently passed by parliament, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the Legal Service, may contain constitutional, legal and institutional issues. Those concerns, he noted, led to presidential referrals and remittals to the Supreme Court.

Keravnos also said the European Central Bank had been consulted on proposed measures concerning the suspension of foreclosures and the restructuring of loans and guarantees, adding that the ECB had expressed its own concerns.

Profitability Should Reflect Real Economy Lending

While acknowledging that the banking sector remains highly profitable, Keravnos said earnings are expected to reach around €1 billion in 2025, lower than in 2024 as interest-rate conditions gradually normalize.

He said he would prefer bank profitability to rely more on lending to businesses operating in productive sectors and less on the widening of European Central Bank interest-rate spreads.

According to the minister, Cyprus’ return to investment-grade status after 11 years has strengthened the country’s appeal to foreign investors, technology companies and startups. He said this should encourage banks to offer financing that better supports businesses while improving the diversification of their loan portfolios.

The Central Bank’s Warning: Strength Today Is Not A Guarantee Tomorrow

Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides also warned against complacency, saying the sector’s current strength should not be taken for granted.

“The Cypriot banking sector is strong today. But strength that truly matters is not exhausted by a capital ratio, a profit line or a favorable cycle,” he said.

Patsalides added that lasting resilience depends on institutions remaining strong as conditions change, risks become more complex, and competition evolves. In his view, that requires sufficient capital buffers, adaptable infrastructure and management teams prepared for changing market conditions.

Long-Term Resilience Over Short-Term Gains

Patsalides also stressed that banks should focus on long-term resilience rather than short-term performance. Decisions on dividend policy, capital allocation and the use of resources, he said, should take into account continued investment in technology, operational resilience, human capital and long-term adaptability.

He added that banks able to remain competitive over time will be those that invest early in strengthening their capacity to adapt and respond to future challenges.

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