A tough period for winter tourism in the free area of Famagusta, as reservations in the few open hotels are at very low levels, except during the holiday season when they receive some local visitors.
The conflict in Gaza has dashed the last hopes for a better winter season in the region, leaving only nine hotels open, six in Ayia Napa and three in Protaras.
The winter season in the area is moving at even lower levels than last year, as some changed plans due to the volatile situation in the Middle East.
According to Panagiotis Constantinou, the president of the Famagusta Hoteliers Association, despite a good November, demand for the upcoming months has dropped sharply.
“An exception is the holiday season, during which occupancy rates will be increased, ranging between 50-60% for very few twenty-four-hour periods. Unfortunately, reservations have decreased afterward, and we expect March 2024 to mark the beginning of the new season. It’s a worse year than last, influenced partly by the situation in the Middle East. Initially, there seemed to be interest, but it negatively affected some companies, causing them to reconsider their programs.”
The region suffered another blow as sports teams, which usually visited for training purposes, decreased.
“In February and March, we will have some teams, but unfortunately, it’s much reduced this year due to issues with the sports facilities in Ayia Napa that used to serve them. From what I know, some teams will end up in Limassol and Paphos, which can offer them better facilities.”
Now, the focus of the region’s tourism stakeholders is on the upcoming tourist season starting in March.
“The Catholic Easter is earlier this year, and we believe many will make reservations for that period. There will be a decline afterward because our Easter is in May, but it’s still early to have a clear picture.”
The major concern for hoteliers in Ayia Napa and Protaras for the new tourist season is the war in Gaza. If prolonged, it might negatively affect arrivals not only from Israel, which was the second-largest market this year but also worldwide.
“In September and October, we had some positive signs for 2024 from markets making early reservations, mainly from the UK, the largest market. However, interest decreased later on. The war in Gaza intervened, and in such cases, people are always cautious and wait to see how things will unfold. Our hope is for the war to end soon because if it continues into the first months of 2024, there will undoubtedly be repercussions in our sector,” noted Mr. Constantinou.
