Cyprus is approaching the 2027 tourism season with cautious optimism as inflation, energy costs and higher airfares continue to affect demand. While early bookings are lower than at the same point last year, industry stakeholders say airlines and tour operators are maintaining or increasing capacity to the island.
Early bookings show decline
Speaking to Politis, Cyprus Hoteliers Association director-general Christos Angelides said bookings for 2027 are currently down by 8% to 12% compared with 2026 levels, both from the United Kingdom and other markets.
According to Angelides, higher borrowing costs, energy prices and airline ticket costs are prompting travellers to be more cautious in their spending decisions.
"We remain vigilant and ready to respond if necessary," he said.
Industry watching market conditions
President of the Cyprus Tourism Enterprises Association (Stek), Akis Vavlitis, said initial indications from the World Travel Market (WTM) in London were not particularly encouraging, although he stressed it is still too early to draw firm conclusions.
He noted that demand trends appear similar across other competing destinations.
"If the energy crisis affecting Europe and inflation in Cyprus' tourism source markets are not addressed, 2027 is expected to be a very difficult tourism year," he said.
Vavlitis added that a positive factor is that scheduled flights are broadly remaining at last year's levels, with increases recorded in some cases.
He said a clearer picture is expected to emerge between late December and early January.
Air capacity expected to increase
Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis struck a more optimistic tone following meetings with industry partners at the World Travel Market exhibition in London.
"We were pleased to learn of the intention of most organisers to increase available seats to Cyprus for next year, despite continued pressure on the tourism sector from rising fuel prices and inflation," Koumis told Politis.
He said the Deputy Ministry of Tourism continues to monitor developments while planning for what it hopes will be another successful year for the sector.
Flight schedules remain favourable
Industry representatives said planned airline capacity for 2027 is either matching or exceeding current levels depending on the market.
Angelides noted that the final number of flights will depend on sales performance during the key booking period between November and February, when operators assess demand and adjust programmes accordingly.
