Larnaca, Cyprus. The tourism outlook for Larnaca in 2026 is shaping up as “very positive”, according to Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nakis Antoniou. He attributed the assessment to investor interest, infrastructure upgrades and the city’s longer-term cultural momentum.
Investor interest and small hotel applications
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on the sidelines of the Chamber’s annual general meeting, Antoniou said the city’s tourism prospects were reinforced by “approximately 20 applications for the construction of small hotel units, for example boutique hotels in Larnaca”.
He said the applications include existing buildings as well as new tourist accommodations. Antoniou added that boutique hotels “do not have everything that a large hotel with hundreds of rooms has”, meaning visitors “go out and visit the restaurants, cafes and everything that Larnaca has to offer in its picturesque neighborhoods and beyond”.
Cultural designation and infrastructure changes
Antoniou said the designation of Larnaca as European Capital of Culture for 2030 is expected to strengthen the city’s appeal, adding that the title will help increase the attraction of tourists.
He also said the removal of oil tanks that had been on the Larnaca beachfront for dozens of years contributed to a more positive tourism outlook. Antoniou said investors interested in small hotel units had conducted research and concluded that Larnaca has strong tourism prospects.
Port and marina development
On the development of the Larnaca port and marina, Antoniou said further clarity is expected soon. He said a meeting with the Minister of Transport is expected around the end of January, when the minister will provide information on the latest developments.
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