Wildfires freeze bookings across Paphos hotels, according to Paphos Hoteliers Association president Evripides Loizides, who told CNA that both regional unrest and the threat of fires have led to a noticeable dip in demand since mid-July. “Visitors are very afraid of wildfires,” he said, noting similar concerns affecting travel to Greece, Turkey and Spain. Whenever a large-scale fire breaks out, he added, there’s an immediate freeze in bookings.
Despite this, the first ten days of August saw strong domestic demand. “Cypriots saved the season,” Loizides noted, explaining that while some hotels were not fully booked, local guests helped stabilise occupancy. However, the combination of extreme heat and frequent fires meant the overall performance for August was slightly underwhelming. Looking ahead, September appears promising, while October remains uncertain, as tourists increasingly wait for last-minute deals.
Loizides also voiced concern about the upcoming winter season, with November already showing weak early signals. A global economic slowdown, shorter foreign stays, and cautious spending all contribute to the pressure on hotel revenues. While the UK remains the top source market, Paphos also saw arrivals from Israel and Poland, with the latter staying longer and balancing out revenue. He also highlighted the growing presence of Airbnb, now accounting for 33% of Paphos’s available beds.
Also read: Wildfire near Xyliatos dam forest brought under control
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