Summer bookings in Cyprus are currently down by around 25% compared to the same period last year, according to the Director General of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE), Christos Angelides.
Speaking to CNA, Angelides said hotel occupancy rates for the summer are currently hovering between 40% and 50%, compared to around 75% in 2025, which was a record year. In July last year, occupancy reached as high as 95%.
He noted that while cancellations have slowed to manageable levels, the pace of new bookings remains weak.
“The level of bookings is increasing at a very slow rate, making it difficult to create a sense that the situation can recover after the cancellations of the past two months. This concerns us. We are monitoring it closely,” he said.
For May, average bookings across Cyprus are also estimated at 40% to 50%. Angelides reiterated that the gap compared to last year stands at roughly 25% to 30%.
“When last July closed at 95%, with high occupancy across all hotels, we are talking about enormous differences and significant revenue losses. Our responsibility is to manage this as an industry and as a state. Thousands of families depend on tourism, and jobs must be protected,” he added.
Pressure from rising costs and reduced flights
Angelides pointed to rising jet fuel prices as an additional challenge, noting that airlines are reassessing which destinations are most profitable.
“Cyprus is not among those destinations,” he said, explaining that aircraft from northern Europe or the United Kingdom can typically operate only one daily flight to Cyprus, while they can serve competing destinations such as Spain up to three times a day, provided demand exists.
“If flights are available, demand will follow,” he added.
He also noted that several airlines have already reduced their flight schedules, warning that current demand does not justify greater optimism.
Calls for support and market intervention
Efforts are also under way to encourage the revision of travel advisories issued by the United Kingdom and the United States for Cyprus. Angelides said the association has already engaged with the relevant embassies.
Asked whether hotels have introduced special offers to boost domestic demand, he said the association has urged its members to do so. Many have already rolled out promotions targeting repeat customers and local markets.
Most hotel units are expected to have reopened by now, he added, with a clearer picture anticipated on 9 May when payroll and social insurance contributions are submitted for participation in the subsidy scheme.
The current government subsidy programme expired at the end of April. PASYXE has requested an extension for May and June.
“We have already made representations asking for the scheme to be extended. It is calibrated based on occupancy levels and revenue losses compared to last year, and those who do not meet the criteria will not receive support,” he said.
However, he stressed the need for a timely announcement to allow hotels to plan ahead and safeguard employment.
“We will remain patient. We are studying the situation and continuing our actions and activities. The goal is to deliver a high level of service to customers,” Angelides said, emphasising that the destination’s reputation must not be undermined.
Source: CNA
