Summer is the favourite season of Cypriots for trips abroad and the Greek islands are once again at the top of their preferences. As for Europe in general, talking to travel agents, the countries that seem to attract the most interest are Italy and France. At the same time, there is a shift of Cypriots towards the choice of cruise for their summer holidays this year, with this form of travel becoming particularly popular.
According to the former president of travel agents, Akis Kelepeshis, the preferences of Cypriots regarding their summer holidays have not changed enough compared to last year. The vast majority travel mainly to the Greek islands, followed by Europe, specifically Italy and France. He characteristically states that there are no particularly new destinations that are gaining the interest of Cypriots compared to last year, there are only some variations. For example, the combination of Italy with Switzerland or Germany with France is often observed.
Among other things, according to him, Cypriots traditionally choose to travel to Rhodes, Crete, Skiathos, Preveza, where from there they can go to other islands, such as Lefkada.
However, this year there is also interest in longer trips, such as the Far East, the USA, Northern and Eastern Europe, and countries such as Poland. Japan also appears in the preferences of Cypriots this year, as the country attracts tourists from all over the world.
Mr. Kelepeshis also mentioned that another type of tourism preferred by Cypriots in recent years is cruises, for which the increasing course of demand is confirmed by the data of travel agencies. In particular, there is a notable increase in the number of Cypriots who choose the cruise as a form of vacation, either from Piraeus or Rome, to return to the eastern and western Mediterranean respectively.
When Cypriots prefer to travel
As usual, July and August are the months when there is the most traffic. It is estimated that in this two months about 370,000 – 480,000 Cypriots will travel abroad, while in the remaining months, the number of Cypriots travelling is limited to 120,000 – 140,000 each month.
The most affordable destinations for this year
According to Mr. Kelepesis, there is not much difference in cost between the choices of the Greek islands or the countries of Europe, since as he pointed out there are islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, which are more expensive destinations compared to others in Europe such as Rome or Florence. He noted, however, that there are also islands that can be considered economic destinations such as Rhodes, Lefkada and Crete.
He also pointed out that the best destination for families is the large islands (e.g. Rhodes and Crete) which have hotels that are large with games and suitable for families. On the contrary, for young couples, the right destination is the Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, but also some distant exotic destinations such as Bali.
Upward or downward trend for Cypriot travel?
Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that this year travel is slightly reduced compared to last year, due to the fact that in March and April, when Cypriots usually close their summer holidays, they were affected due to the war. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that lately there has been an increase in last-minute bookings but very few compared to last year.
