Tourism bookings in Cyprus have returned to more normal patterns following disruption earlier in the year, although hoteliers say performance for August remains below last year's levels and further efforts are needed to strengthen the island's international profile.
Cyprus Tourism Enterprises Association (STEK) president Akis Vavlitis told CNA that booking activity has largely stabilised.
"Some hotel units may be behind, but overall we are at a satisfactory level compared with the previous period," he said.
Mr Vavlitis noted that while cancellations continue to occur, they are broadly in line with the levels normally seen each year. He added, however, that some hotels in the Famagusta district may be experiencing greater pressure.
He said tourism stakeholders, the hotel industry and the state had taken the necessary steps following the difficulties experienced in March to restore a degree of normality.
At the same time, he acknowledged that concerns linked to developments in the Middle East and Cyprus' proximity to the region have been difficult to overcome completely.
Occupancy not the whole picture
Mr Vavlitis said occupancy levels alone do not provide a complete assessment of the season, particularly as hotels have offered discounts in an effort to attract visitors.
According to him, the full economic impact of the 2026 tourism season will become clearer towards the end of October.
"At the end of October the summer tourism season closes, while we will also have indications for November and December, allowing safer estimates regarding the economic impact," he said.
Contracts signed for 2027
The STEK president also described as positive the fact that almost all hotel establishments have already signed contracts for the 2027 tourism season.
He said the industry is approaching next year with optimism and aims to achieve occupancy levels and revenues comparable to those recorded in 2025.
"For 2026, whatever was going to happen has happened. Not much can now change," he said.
Last-minute bookings offer hope
Meanwhile, PASYXE Director General Christos Angelides said July performed better than initially expected due to a significant volume of last-minute bookings, a trend that continues into August.
"We are approximately 10% behind on a nationwide basis for August and somewhat more, up to 15% behind, for September," he said.
Mr Angelides said August is still expected to perform reasonably well, although matching the occupancy levels of previous years will be difficult.
He added that hopes remain focused on late bookings, particularly from Israel, where travel decisions are often made at the last minute and involve shorter stays.
According to Mr Angelides, the increase in arrivals from Israel has been helpful, especially after the industry lost a significant number of bookings earlier in the season.
Focus shifts to revenues
Mr Angelides said the key issue now is assessing the financial impact on the sector.
"To reach today's occupancy levels, additional discounts have been offered," he said.
He expressed hope that hotels would be able to fill more gaps during the autumn months and possibly into December.
Push for promotion and advertising
The PASYXE director general stressed the need for a stronger and sustained promotion campaign beginning immediately and continuing through the end of 2027.
He said Cyprus must address any uncertainty that may have developed among European travellers while also taking account of economic pressures, including the cost of living, energy prices and airfares in important source markets such as the United Kingdom and Germany.
"We have a great deal of work to do in promotion, advertising and hospitality," he said.
Source: CNA
