Cyprus hotel occupancy is expected to rise sharply over the upcoming long weekend, with bookings in Paphos and the free Famagusta area forecast to reach or exceed 90%.
The increase is driven mainly by local travellers taking advantage of the extended holiday period, alongside discounted offers and improved availability in coastal resorts.
Strong boost for Paphos and Famagusta
Hoteliers report that the hotel occupancy levels will temporarily recover from current averages of around 60% to as high as 85–90% during the weekend.
In the free Famagusta area, industry representatives say occupancy remains under pressure due to reduced demand linked to geopolitical uncertainty in the wider region.
Despite the short-term boost, average occupancy in the area is expected to remain significantly lower compared with last year’s levels.
Domestic tourism supports demand
According to industry sources, Cypriot travellers are taking advantage of special weekend rates, with many hotels offering discounted packages to attract bookings.
The hotel occupancy increase is therefore largely attributed to domestic tourism rather than international arrivals. Hoteliers describe the long weekend as a temporary “boost” rather than a structural recovery in demand.
Paphos is also expected to record high occupancy rates, with estimates pointing to levels between 85% and 90% over the weekend period.
However, average occupancy in the city remains around 70%, reflecting a broader slowdown of 25–30% compared with previous periods.
Industry professionals say similar trends are expected to continue into June if demand conditions remain unchanged.
Travel trends also extend abroad
Travel agents report increased movement of Cypriots travelling abroad, particularly to Greece, where demand for flights has been high and availability limited.
Despite short-term fluctuations, booking trends for the summer season are expected to remain close to last year’s levels overall.
Also read: Tourism faces cost pressures; last-minute bookings bring relief
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