Travel data suggests a significant number of Cypriots have chosen to spend the Easter holiday abroad, with Greece and the UK as the preferred destinations, according to Charis Papacharalambous, President of the Association of Travel and Tourist Agents.
Cypriots are typically booking trips for four to five days, while domestic hotel stays average just 48 hours, stated Philokypros Roussounides, President of PASYXE (Cyprus Hotel Managers Association).
Outbound tourism demand strong
Papacharalambous noted a “strong demand” for overseas travel this Easter, with a more complete picture expected after the holiday. He explained that Cypriot travellers planning summer holidays are also making early reservations to secure better prices.
The cost of airfare, he stated, is the primary factor in price fluctuations, especially during the summer.
Travel agencies often secure more stable accommodation rates, while online booking platforms may show more frequent price changes.
He expects 2024 outbound travel numbers by Cypriots to remain roughly on par with the record-breaking 2023 figures.
Domestic tourism stays short, 2024 bookings lag
Roussounides reported limited domestic hotel bookings by Cypriots for Easter, primarily for stays of only two days. While some travellers prefer mountain destinations during Easter, warmer weather has drawn many to the coast.
Hotel occupancy data through April indicates lower bookings for 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Roussounides stressed that hoteliers offer the same rates to Cypriots and foreign visitors, but phone reservations may yield better deals. He emphasized that a wide range of accommodation options exists to suit all budgets.
Concern over international bookings, flight availability
PASYXE expressed concern that 2024 international bookings are currently lagging behind 2023. Roussounides cited ongoing geopolitical instability, as well as economic and energy challenges in Central Europe, as impacting travel decisions. Efforts to address the gap are underway, but matching last year’s strong figures will be difficult.
Papacharalambous added that flight availability will limit inbound tourist numbers in 2024. He attributed this to regional conflicts and aircraft shortages among some airlines, a consequence of supply chain disruptions initially caused by the pandemic.
England remains Cyprus’s largest tourism market, but Papacharalambous highlighted growth from Poland, Romania, Italy, France, and Germany. He noted rising environmental awareness among European travellers and stressed that prioritising sustainability will be key to the future success of Cyprus’s tourism sector.
