Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus tourism industry representatives reported cancellations for April and May and a slowdown in new bookings following a US travel advisory for the island. Industry groups said they are urging calm and closer coordination with the government.
Cancellations and booking slowdown reported
The Association of Cyprus Tourism Enterprises (Stek) said several cancellations of reservations have already been recorded for April and May, while new reservations for the rest of the period have dropped sharply, raising concerns across the sector.
Calls for government action and concerns over summer reservations
Stek president Akis Vavlitis said the Cypriot government is expected to make representations to the US Embassy in Cyprus and the US Department of State to lift what he described as an unfair travel advisory issued for Cyprus.
Vavlitis said the decline in new bookings from June onwards is particularly worrying, noting that March and April are traditionally the strongest months for reservations for the rest of the tourist season. He added that there is also concern over possible flight cancellations following the advisory.
Coordination with tourism authorities and planned stakeholder meeting
Vavlitis said the association is in constant contact with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and plans to request an urgent meeting of tourism stakeholders, including the ministers of labour and finance and the deputy tourism minister, possibly under the president of the republic, to discuss measures.
He said the aim would be to hear the sector’s proposals and prevent the tourist season from being negatively affected, particularly as the duration of the current conflict cannot be predicted. He said the sector should remain calm without panic, while also seeking measures to be presented to the authorities.
Upcoming Stek council meeting and Pasyxe outlook
Vavlitis said an extraordinary Stek council meeting will take place next Friday, where the association will decide on its next actions.
Meanwhile, the Hoteliers Association (Pasyxe) said the long-term outlook for the summer season does not appear to be significantly affected at this stage, although some short-term adjustments have been recorded.
How do you think the US travel advisory could affect Cyprus tourism bookings in the coming months?
