Cyprus tourism bookings for July and August are averaging around 85% nationwide, a noticeable decline compared with last year’s record performance, according to the Director General of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE), Christos Angelides.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Angelides said increased energy costs linked to regional conflicts were having a visible impact on the tourism sector.
He added that booking rates have shown some improvement, particularly for three-day periods, driven by last-minute bookings from neighbouring countries and the domestic market.
Conflicts and costs affect tourism outlook
Angelides said recent developments that have increased energy costs and maintained high air ticket prices remain a concern for Cyprus.
He noted that arrivals from key markets have improved, but there is still significant ground to cover compared with last year.
“We are optimistic. As the private sector and the industry, we continue our efforts in a coordinated and organised way,” he said.
He added that while August occupancy reached as high as 97% last year, this year’s figures remain around 10-15% lower.
Focus turns to autumn and winter season
Regarding year-round tourism, Angelides said the sector’s main goal is to strengthen the period from November 2026 to April 2027.
“This will make the difference,” he said, adding that improved performance in the coming months could help cover the gap created at the beginning of the season.
He stressed that PASYXE member hotels remain optimistic and continue maintaining high standards of service and quality.
ACTTA warns of 12-14% drop for the year
The President of the Cyprus Association of Travel Agents (ACTTA), Charis Papacharalambous, said tourism performance remains below last year’s levels.
“We are down. Not by much, but behind compared with the corresponding months last year,” he said, adding that the free Famagusta area has been affected the most.
He said almost all markets have recorded declines compared with 2025, with the exception of Israel, which saw a 170% increase in June compared with the previous year.
Papacharalambous said the biggest challenge during this year’s tourism campaign was Cyprus’ image and the connection made with regional conflicts, including reactions following a drone incident at the British Bases in March.
He estimated that tourist overnight stays across Cyprus could finish the year 12-14% lower than last year, depending on regional developments.
Also read: Israeli tourists fill gap in arrivals, but not overnight stays
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