Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ tourism sector is currently down by around 20 per cent because of ongoing instability in the Middle East, according to the head of the Cyprus hotel managers association (Pasydixe), Christos Angelides. He said there was cautious optimism for a partial recovery through last-minute bookings in the coming months.
Losses so far
“Unfortunately, losses for the year so far appear to be around 20 per cent – a huge number that cannot be shrugged off,” Angelides said. He added that hotels operating year-round had already lost the March, April and May period.
Request for support
Angelides said the industry had called for financial support from the European Union. “This is something we have requested and continue to request, and we hope it will eventually materialise,” he said, adding that conflicts across the Middle East had had a direct impact on Cyprus.
Focus on reputation
He said the industry’s priority remained maintaining service quality and the island’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. “Our effort – as well as that of the entire hotel sector – is to maintain high levels of quality and service despite the difficulties, while preserving our good reputation as a tourist destination,” he said.
“The image of Cyprus as a safe destination offering quality and service has been built with great effort and must be protected like the apple of our eye.”
Weekend bookings and summer outlook
Commenting on activity over the Kataklysmos holiday weekend, Angelides said there had been some movement, but it was short-lived. Hotel bookings remained at relatively low levels and were insufficient to offset cancellations or match previous years’ performance, with uncertainty continuing over the summer season.
He expressed hope that ongoing efforts towards de-escalation in the region would help by reducing doubts about Cyprus as a destination and lowering fuel prices.