TOURISM ON ALERT - Filenews 3/3 by Angelols Angelodimou
Yesterday, the Statistical Service announced the final results in relation to tourism revenues for 2025, with the new record officially confirmed by the numbers. However, this positive event was overshadowed by the developments, as Cyprus was hit by a drone in the area of the British Bases. As expected, panic prevailed, with the event being covered by international media. This was followed by the evacuation of the Bases, but also of Paphos airport, which, however, returned to normal operation after a while.
Flight disruption and cancellations
The bodies responsible for tourism are now on alert, as well as in communication with their partners in Cyprus and abroad, in order to coordinate in case the crisis escalates. Most of them have been in Germany since yesterday where the big tourism exhibition ITB Berlin 2026 will take place, however, their information is constant. According to our information, industry professionals do not wish at this stage to make statements that will create additional panic. They are on alert and estimate that any consequences will become apparent in about a week.
According to information provided by Hermes Airports, yesterday there were 60 flight cancellations, which concerned both arrivals and departures. 42 were at Larnaca airport and the remaining 18 at Paphos airport. Most of the cancellations were for flights to Israel, while some companies cancelled flights from European countries. Flight developments change hour by hour, so travellers who have planned a trip should stay informed, both from their airline, or tour operator, and from the Hermes website. Until last night, on the site in question (hermesairports.com), there was an indication of the cancellation of several flights that were expected to be operated today, Tuesday, both in arrivals and departures. Most of them concerned flights to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Dubai, Doha, Beirut, Abu Dhabi. Therefore, travellers should contact their airline or agent in advance for information.
Hotels and tour operators
Due to the many flight cancellations, it is a given that some cancellations will occur in hotels and wider tourist accommodation. However, it is still too early to draw concrete conclusions. The fact that Cyprus was in the eye of the storm within a day is certainly not a positive element, however, as we have been informed, it will take at least a week for the situation to be assessed. This is because it is not at all easy for tour operators to cancel travel packages, since this will cause them huge losses. Therefore, everyone involved is on alert to see how the situation develops. As it is understood, our country is looking with increased attention at the Israeli market, as in recent years, tourists from this country have increased significantly, with the result that today, Israel is now in second place after the United Kingdom, in terms of arrivals in our country.
Collateral consequences
Hoteliers may note that for the time being the effects of the developments cannot be assessed and remain on alert, however their great concern at the moment concerns the secondary effects that will arise from the energy part. What concerns businesses the most is the possible rise in oil and overall energy costs, it is noted, since it is known that hotel units are among the largest consumers of energy. An increase in international oil prices is already being recorded, while it is recalled that for a long time there have been several complaints in relation to electricity prices. However, Cypriot tourism has proven to be particularly resilient to the recent crises, at the same time that hoteliers have shown immediate reflexes and hopes that this time the situation will develop positively as well.
