For many years now, the free province of Famagusta, which has the most tourist beds in Cyprus (42%), has had as its permanent goal the extension of the tourist season, which if achieved will bring multiple benefits both to the region and to the Cypriot economy in general. Ayia Napa and Protaras, in a good tourist season, are moving at full speed, with all tourist businesses open, for about six months. The data for October 2025, which was the record year for tourism in Cyprus, are indicative. Of the total arrivals that month, only 20% ended up in el. province of Famagusta.
The authorities of the region did a lot to increase the flow of tourists in the winter as well, however, the results were not as expected every year, which is not unrelated to the fact that, until recently, Ayia Napa and Protaras operated as competitive destinations. From the summer of 2024, however, the two Municipalities decided to leave their differences behind and joined forces, which gave another dynamic to the efforts of the region's tourism bodies. Now, they are trying in a coordinated way to enrich the tourist product of the region, with the ultimate goal of gradually extending the tourist season and attracting Cypriot and foreign visitors.
An important element in the strategy drawn up and followed in the last two years is the realization that the bet of all-year tourism will not be won overnight. As the president of ETAP Famagusta, Giorgos Tofinis, told "F", this is "a strategy that needs time, proper planning, incentives and cooperation between the public and private sectors, while it certainly cannot be achieved from one moment to the next". As he explained, the focus of this effort is on international competitions, cultural events, festivals, concerts, Christmas activities, as well as experiences in nature and the hinterland. The initiatives that have been underway in recent years, according to Mr. Tofinis, show that the model is being upgraded and gradually enriched with activities, experiences and actions.
The cooperation with Larnaca
The cooperation of ETAP and PASYXE Famagusta with the corresponding bodies of Larnaca is considered very important for the extension of the tourist season for 2027. The operators of the two regions are in contact with Hermes and major tour operators so that from next year more flights will be added in March and November, which if achieved will extend the tourist season for about two months.
At the same time, for the third consecutive year, the coordinated online promotion campaign of the province of Famagusta in foreign markets is being implemented, which for 2026 will continue during the autumn months and part of winter. This is a strategic move, as explained by the President of PASYXE Famagusta, Panagiotis Konstantinou, as these months are very important for booking flows, both in terms of last-minute bookings for the autumn and winter months, as well as for those of the summer of 2027. This campaign is implemented by PASYXE Famagusta, in close cooperation with ETAP Famagusta and the financial assistance of the Municipalities of Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Deryneia, the Bank of Cyprus and hoteliers operating in the area.
According to Mr. Konstantinou, dozens of tourist accommodations in Protaras and Ayia Napa that will remain in operation this year until the end of November, while very few hotel units will remain open for the winter. As he noted, as the actions to extend the season intensify and as the number of visitors increases, so will the number of tourist accommodations that remain in operation in the area. However, as he stressed, "the contribution of the state in this direction is also needed, as the appropriate incentives and mechanisms to support these initiatives are necessary".
Sports in the foreground
One of the areas where the institutions of free Famagusta invest a lot to extend the tourist season is sports, since such events, as well as the preparation of teams during the winter months, are, cumulatively, an important source of visitors, as mentioned by Mr. Tofinis. He also noted that now sports "are not just treated as a parallel activity, but as a tourist product in itself".
For this year, the 1st Cablenet Famagusta Run in Protaras stands out, which will take place on October 11, while on October 17 and 18, 2026, the SwimRun will be held. On October 10-11, the 4th International Dragon Boat Regatta will take place at Ayia Napa Marina, while the OceanMan event, which will take place again this year in Ayia Napa between November 6-8, 2026, is part of the same context. The events continue during the winter months, as from January 16 to 19, 2027, Ayia Napa hosts the 4th International Winter Swimmers Festival.
A timeless source of attracting visitors during the winter months, mainly in Ayia Napa, according to Mr. Tofinis, is football, with the various events and team preparations during the months of January-April. In March, the 3rd Elite Neon Cup, from March 13 to 15, 2027, adds to the calendar an event with an international character, which, combined with the timeless institution of the great academy tournament held every year in Ayia Napa, attracts hundreds of visitors at a time when tourist traffic is limited. On March 28, 2027, moreover, the 6th Run4Autism race will take place in Ayia Napa.
For the institutions of the region, the culture, history and nature of the province are the main pillars in the effort to attract tourists in periods when the flows are reduced. Indicatively, the institution of the Ayia Napa Medieval Festival, which this year will take place from October 14 to 18, 2026, which attracts visitors from various countries, as well as the Cyprus Rocks Festival which is currently taking place in the Pernera area of Paralimni and will end on October 6.
From November 7 to January 7, 2027, the Ayia Napa Biennale will take place, while important activities for the whole family are planned in November and December by the Municipal Museum of the Sea.
From November, meanwhile, the Endless Sun program will start again (lasting until March), which is implemented by ETAP Famagusta, with the aim of strengthening the experience of visitors, who have the opportunity to connect with the roots, culture and tradition of the hinterland.
