Several hotel booking cancellations have been recorded for April and May, while new bookings for the rest of the season have slowed significantly, according to the Cyprus Tourism Enterprises Association (STEK). At the same time, the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE) says the longer-term outlook for the summer season currently appears largely unaffected.
Both tourism bodies stress the need for an immediate meeting between all relevant stakeholders in the tourism sector, including the government, in order to assess the situation and take decisions. They also urged calm as developments unfold.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), STEK president Akis Vavlitis said he expects the Cypriot government to raise the issue with the United States embassy in Cyprus and the US State Department “to lift the unfair travel advisory” issued by the United States regarding Cyprus.
Vavlitis added that “several booking cancellations” have already been recorded in hotels for April and May, while “new bookings have dropped to a minimum for the rest of the period,” from June onwards. He also expressed concern that flight cancellations could follow, particularly in the wake of the US travel advisory for Cyprus.