Cypriots choose Easter holidays abroad, KNOW

According to the Association of Cyprus Tourism Agents (ACTA), a significant number of Cypriots are choosing Easter holidays abroad, as recent figures show.

Cypriots have shown a preference for Greece as their main Easter destination, closely followed by Britain. Bookings for summer holidays are made early, with the aim of securing favorable prices.

Charis Papacharalambous, head of ACTA, noted that travel agencies offer stable prices for accommodations, which may vary from month to month but remain consistent regardless of the time of the reservation. Online platforms, on the other hand, often charge fluctuating prices.

Projections suggest that Cypriots will travel abroad in the summer and are expected to match 2023 levels, with a possible slight increase. However, domestic bookings for Easter holidays are relatively limited, with preference given to rural and coastal areas.

Philokypros Roussounides, head of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association (PASYXE), highlighted the challenges facing the tourism sector in 2024. The lower foreign bookings compared to 2023 are attributed to geopolitical tensions, economic recession and the energy crisis in Central Europe. Efforts are being made to limit losses and approach 2023 figures.

The limited availability of flights to Cyprus, especially from countries with a lot of tourists, has been attributed to instability in the Middle East and aircraft shortages at some airlines.

Although Britain remains the most important market, emerging markets such as Poland, Romania, Italy, France and Germany show growth potential.

Papacharalambous emphasized that future tourism demand will be affected by the climate crisis, with preference given to eco-friendly destinations that can offer both quality and quantity experiences.

(With information from CNA)