Nicosia, Cyprus. Only 6 per cent of tourists choose Nicosia as their destination, typically seeking authentic experiences, gastronomy and nightlife, while the figure rises to around 15 per cent during the winter season, Nicosia tourism board officer Sotiris Christoforou said on Thursday. He said the figures show the capital’s potential in reducing tourism seasonality and strengthening year-round tourism.
Visitor profile and tourism patterns
Christoforou said the typical visitor to Nicosia is under 40 years old, with women making up 51 per cent of tourists. He said the city’s appeal is linked to demand for authentic experiences, gastronomy and nightlife.
Hotel investment and accommodation capacity
He said recent investments in smaller boutique hotels and large hotel complexes have further highlighted the capital’s tourism potential. He added that the expected completion of three more hotel complexes will further increase accommodation capacity.
Christoforou said Nicosia is now in a phase where the number of hotel beds is multiplying and that accommodation is no longer a concern.
Special interest tourism
Christoforou said Nicosia’s tourism identity differs from that of other regions and pointed to its potential in special interest tourism, including the food sector and industrial tourism. He said visitors are increasingly looking to give more meaning to their trips and are seeking authentic experiences.
According to Christoforou, ice cream production is being examined as a tourism option in Nicosia, where three large ice cream factories are based. He added that mines and quarries are also being considered as tourist destinations.
Historic projects in the walled city
Christoforou said the cataloging and highlighting of historical street signs within the walled city is currently underway, with plans under consideration to expand the project to other historic districts of Nicosia.
He added that the historic water tower from the British colonial period, located at the intersection of Solomos square and Regina street, is also set for revitalisation and will be converted into a visitor information centre.