Hotel bookings in Cyprus are showing signs of recovery after months of disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East. However, the island’s tourism industry is still facing an average loss of about 20 per cent for the remainder of the season, according to the president of the hotel managers association.
Booking Momentum Returns, But Losses Persist
Christos Angelides said the wave of cancellations recorded over the past two to three months has eased, with bookings improving both in the short term and for the remainder of the season.
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Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, he said demand has yet to recover sufficiently to offset earlier losses or deliver what would normally be considered a strong year for the tourism sector.
Hotels Adjust Pricing To Support Demand
Hotels and other tourism businesses are responding with more competitive pricing and targeted promotional campaigns, including offers aimed at the domestic market. Angelides noted that airfares and accommodation prices in competing destinations have also increased.
“Destinations which were previously considered cheaper than us no longer are,” he said. At the same time, he expects more Cypriots to weigh household budgets before choosing to travel abroad.
Airlines And Israeli Tourism Show Early Signs Of Recovery
Asked about flight cancellations and route adjustments, Angelides said airlines have reduced some services because of higher aviation fuel costs. He expressed hope that easing regional tensions would lower fuel prices and airfares, supporting a stronger autumn and potentially winter season.
Visitor numbers from Israel have also started to recover after falling to almost zero for roughly two to three months. Angelides said daily arrivals are increasing and that even short stays of two or three days would provide meaningful support to the tourism industry. Last-minute bookings, he added, are already helping to strengthen demand and could continue to support the sector through the rest of the season.
Protecting Cyprus’ Tourism Reputation
Despite weaker occupancy rates, Angelides said maintaining service quality remains essential. He identified two immediate priorities for the sector: recovering from the decline in hotel occupancy recorded in March, April and May, and safeguarding Cyprus’ reputation as “a quality and pleasant destination” built over many years.
Angelides also called for a sustained promotional campaign through the end of 2027 to help restore momentum in international markets and dispel any remaining concerns about Cyprus as a safe destination.
