Fitos Thrasivoulou, president of the Cyprus Hospitality Owners Association (Osika), said September revenues helped restaurants, bars and other food and beverage businesses cover operating costs and meet their financial obligations. August also performed well, supported by strong domestic demand, while September brought another positive period for the sector.
October Bookings Support Outlook
Last-minute bookings for October were still coming in, Thrasivoulou said, expressing hope that the positive trend would continue.
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He also stressed the importance of maintaining air connectivity with Cyprus, saying reliable flight links are essential to attracting visitors and supporting the wider tourism sector.
Extending The Tourist Season Beyond Summer
Despite recent improvements, extending the tourist season remains a major challenge. Thrasivoulou said efforts to attract visitors throughout the year have been ongoing for years but have yet to bring about a significant change in travel patterns.
He called on the deputy tourism ministry and the government to introduce targeted measures and incentives to attract more visitors from northern Europe during the winter months. A longer season, he said, would help Cyprus reduce its reliance on peak summer demand and create a more balanced tourism model.
Regional Stability And Rising Costs Add Pressure
Thrasivoulou warned that instability or armed conflict in the wider region could seriously affect Cyprus’ tourism industry. Tourism is vital not only to the economy but also to the viability of hospitality businesses and related services.
Meanwhile, rising operating expenses are putting further pressure on businesses. According to Thrasivoulou, fixed costs have increased by 30% to 40%, making sustained visitor numbers and a longer tourist season increasingly important for operators seeking to meet their financial commitments and maintain long-term stability.
