Filenews 2 March 2025 - by George Coucounis
The new tourist season "Cyprus 2025", which starts at the end of March and ends in mid-November, is expected to be much higher than any previous year. Hotel bookings show a significant increase, both in terms of number of visitors and income.
Cyprus manages for yet another year to raise the bar high and conquer European markets as a remarkable preferred tourist destination. The European citizen chooses Cyprus for his holidays because of its high professional level, the security and security it provides and above all the sun and the sea, which abounds and relaxes.
All markets from which Cyprus attracts tourist flows show a significant increase compared to last year and previous years. Great Britain, Germany, Central European countries, as well as the Scandinavian market are expected to flood Cyprus with tourists and revenues. Hotel reservations, due to the discount for early booking, exceed 55% of occupancy for some months, while for the rest of the months they exceed 45%. There is still plenty of time for bookings until the end of March or early April when the tourist season officially begins, as well as the other months and bookings arrive daily.
Proper management, service and hospitality are needed to satisfy and confirm that Cyprus has an advantage and that it is a strong card, both in terms of price and quality. It is better and cheaper with a clear surplus value than another competing country.
Overtourism
This year will be the year of over-tourism that will occupy Cyprus. This problem should be examined rationally, after study and expression of opinion by all stakeholders, local and regional government and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. The experience of other countries that have experienced and are experiencing the phenomenon, such as Italy, Spain and Portugal, is useful and could help Cyprus to be able to deal with it. It may be said that the issue is being raised prematurely, but it is better to consider and resolve it now before the consequences affect.
Increasing the available beds by building new hotel units is one way to solve over-tourism. Buildings are already being built or renovated that will function as hotel units in all areas of Cyprus. The operation of self-catering accommodations, known as Airbnb, may serve to some extent guests who prefer them for short stays, but it requires adequate control by the state and local authorities over how they operate, as well as paying fees and taxes. As is the case with hotels and licensed tourist apartments that pay overnight fees and taxes and are controlled, the same should apply to self-catering accommodation.
Priorities
The first image that the visitor faces when arriving in Cyprus is the airports. Any delay or inconvenience upon arrival, awaiting baggage claim or departure waiting in line should cease to exist. The faster the visitor is served, the better impression he forms about the place.
Transport must be greatly improved and maritime transport must be added, so that visitors can be accommodated both in terms of means, frequency and places of travel and, above all, they can easily obtain information on routes, fares and places visited. All these should be available electronically so that the visitor can be served without waiting.
What Cyprus lacks is also qualified tour guides who know the place and its history and provide their services so that visitors are properly informed about sights and other places they visit. It is not enough for tour operators to handle the issue with guides and excursions, since there are many other people who travel on their own and seek this service, especially in the places they visit.
The green transition is another area that the state must help more, so that essential services, transport and hotels implement policies of sustainable development, reduction of emissions and utilization of solar energy.
* Lawyer in Larnaca
