Nicosia, Cyprus. Short-term tourist accommodation operators in Cyprus are experiencing a weaker season, with occupancy rates and prices down by 10 to 15 per cent compared with last year, according to the Self-Service Tourist Accommodation Association.
Market performance
Speaking to Alpha TV on Saturday, Stek president Konstantinos Karakontis said demand had slowed following last year’s strong performance, although conditions had improved compared with 2024.
“This year is certainly moving at a slower pace compared with last year,” he said, adding that occupancy and prices had each declined by between 10 and 15 per cent.
Licensing concerns
Karakontis said the number of active properties advertised on digital platforms has remained between 12,000 and 15,000 in recent years. However, only about 8,500 properties currently hold an official licence from the Deputy Tourism Ministry.
He said the sector’s main challenge was the lack of a direct link between the official licensing register and platforms including Airbnb and Booking.
Legislative changes are being promoted to enable live verification of registration numbers, allowing platforms to remove properties operating without valid licences, he said.
“When the registration number is not the real one, the platforms can at the same time delete the property from the platform,” Karakontis said.
Building safety information
Karakontis also raised concerns about communication between state bodies following the collapse of an apartment building in Yermasoyia, where one unit had reportedly been used for short-term accommodation.
He said the apartment had obtained a permit, but questioned why information held by the EOA about the building’s condition had not been shared with tourism authorities.
Karakontis suggested that authorities publish lists of buildings considered unsuitable rather than introduce additional administrative requirements.
