65 HOTELS HAVE OPENED IN FREE FAMAGUSTA AND ARE OFFERING SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR CYPRUS RESIDENTS - Filenews 3/4 by Natasa Christoforou
Despite the uncertainty and numbness in bookings due to the situation in the Middle East, most hotels in the free province of Famagusta are opening as planned. The tourism operators of the region expect an increase in hotel occupancy for the Easter period, betting on Cypriot visitors, who are offered special packages.
Already, as the president of PASYXE Famagusta, Panagiotis Konstantinou, told "F", 65 hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras have opened and by the end of the month the rest will open.
"Some individual units made a small extension in their opening. However, I believe that by the end of April, all the units, which are 252, will be operational", noted Mr. Konstantinou, indicating that occupancy rates in hotels are currently low. "However, there are several events held by the two Municipalities and so occupancy rates are especially strengthened on weekends. Efforts are being made to attract local tourism, with special packages during the Easter period, which will be helpful for the coming weeks and we expect to see an improvement in the situation," he said, adding that "bookings during this period are about 42% lower, but cancellations have decreased, which is encouraging," he noted.At the same time, the dining areas of the area began to open, with the Municipalities of Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Deryneia, preparing for greater visitor arrivals. "The province is an ideal destination for the days of Easter, as it offers a unique combination of experiences: from church traditions in the hinterland to walks in nature and the sea, with Cape Greco being one of the main attractions for visitors of all ages," the president of ETAP Famagusta, Giorgos Tofinis, told our newspaper. He also added that "spring creates ideal conditions for activities, walks and exploration, strengthening the image of the province as a destination beyond the summer season".
According to the Famagusta Tourism Development and Promotion Company, the major sports events hosted in the province until April give impetus to the start of the season, attracting athletes and visitors from abroad.
Among them, the big academy football tournament that takes place at the beginning of April and attracts thousands of visitors from Cyprus and abroad, the Cyprus Road Race Grand Prix in Protaras in April, as well as the international Open Water Swimming Cup in Protaras (April 18–19, 2026) stand out.
