Nicosia, Cyprus. High accommodation prices and limited availability during the August 15 holiday period are prompting some Cypriot families to consider overseas destinations instead of local resorts.
A Cypriot traveller told Politis that a €2,500 quote for four days in Protaras made a family trip to Greece appear more affordable.
Demand for Greece
Greece remains the most popular overseas destination for Cyprus residents. Official figures show that 35.3 per cent of residents returning from trips abroad in June had travelled from Greece, followed by the United Kingdom at 8.3 per cent, Italy at 6.3 per cent and Poland at 3.5 per cent.
Overall, overseas trips by Cyprus residents rose by 7.4 per cent compared with the same month a year earlier.
Travel market trends
Antonis Orthodoxou, spokesman for the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), said the market was at roughly the same levels as last year.
He said travellers were postponing more distant holidays, while European destinations had gained popularity because of costs and uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict.
Rhodes, Crete and Skiathos are receiving the strongest demand, supported by direct flights from Cyprus. Orthodoxou said destinations with direct air connections attract greater interest.
Package prices
Advertised five-day packages to Greece start at €469 for Rhodes, €499 for Crete and €539 for Skiathos. Starting prices are €569 for Parga, €589 for Lefkada, €629 for Sivota and €649 for Preveza.
Final prices vary according to departure date, hotel and room type.
Poland and Romania are also attracting increased interest, alongside established destinations including Paris and Italy. Advertised European packages include five days in Warsaw from €755, an eight-day Romania tour from €995 and five days in Paris from €1,145.
Orthodoxou said package prices were slightly higher than last year, with the final cost depending largely on how early travellers booked.
