Hotel occupancy dips as bookings remain sluggish

Hotel occupancy in Cyprus ranged between 25 and 45 per cent over the Easter period, according to director general of the Cyprus hoteliers association Christos Angelides, who said cancellations and weak booking trends continue to weigh on the sector.

Speaking to CNA, Angelides said hotel activity during Easter was limited, particularly in terms of the domestic market.

“The average occupancy ranged between 25 and 45 per cent,” he said, noting that Easter is not traditionally a peak period for Cypriot holidaymakers.

“Cypriots tend to travel abroad or spend time at family gatherings,” he added, pointing out that this year’s figures were slightly below normal for the season.

He said most hotels have already reopened for the new tourist season, with the remainder expected to be fully operational by April 20.

Asked about bookings for the summer, Angelides said the situation has remained largely unchanged.

“With the pace things are moving, we are at the same level as we were five weeks ago. Some cancellations are continuing and the rate of new bookings is not enough to reverse the picture,” he said.

He expressed hope that bookings would increase to offset cancellations, noting that while there has been a slight improvement, there are still no clear signs of a strong recovery.

“The picture is somewhat changed, but without significant signs of recovery,” he said.

Angelides attributed the situation partly to ongoing regional developments, noting that although Cyprus is not at the centre of events, it continues to be affected.

“Unfortunately, the situation continues. Even though we are not at the epicentre, we have been drawn into the frame and remain there. We have not managed to shake it off,” he said.

He added that hotels are continuing promotional campaigns through social media and advertising, alongside in-person contacts and overseas travel by sales teams.

“Our view is that Cyprus’ campaign as a safe and hospitable destination must continue and be intensified throughout the year, so that we can move past what happened in a single night,” he said.

Earlier in April Labour Minister Marinos Moushiouttas presented the government’s support plan for the hotel industry which applies to all hotels and tourist accommodation operating between April 1 and April 30, 2026.

Under the plan, eligible businesses must show or expect a drop in turnover exceeding 40 per cent in April 2026 compared with April 2025, or demonstrate that their occupancy rate is below 60 per cent.