Limassol, Cyprus. Publicity surrounding the war in Iran is starting to weigh on tourism in Limassol, with industry figures reporting rising cancellations, pressure on hotel occupancy, and concern over the coming months.
Industry figures cite growing cancellations and overseas perceptions
Speaking to Entrepreneurial Limassol, a periodical published by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), Evel president Andreas Tsouloftas, Pasyxe general manager Christos Angelides, and Stek general manager Chrysemily Psilogeni said the image forming abroad does not reflect the situation in Cyprus.
Tsouloftas said the fallout was already being felt, with cancellations increasing as the impression spread overseas that Cyprus is caught up in the conflict.
Coverage of Akrotiri incident and airline flight cancellations
Tsouloftas said the perception was driven by extensive international coverage of an isolated incident in Akrotiri, alongside wider attention to regional developments and visits by foreign leaders to Cyprus.
He added that flight cancellations by European airlines, including Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, had added to the pressure.
Calls to restore Cyprus’ image abroad
Tsouloftas said Limassol remains a safe destination and stressed Cyprus is hundreds of kilometres away from the war zone.
He said there was no reason for concern for visitors, adding that Evel has increased social media promotion and stepped up contacts with international media and tourism organisations.
Bookings hit, with March and April losses cited
Angelides said negative publicity had caused damage to bookings and described the way the situation had been projected internationally as “unfair or vindictive”.
He said the biggest losses were seen in March and April, and that May was also becoming a concern.
How concerned are you about travelling to Cyprus because of international coverage of regional conflict?
