January arrival figures due to be released today by the Statistical Service are expected to confirm a strong start to 2026 for Cyprus tourism, with early indications pointing to positive momentum for the months ahead, provided no unexpected developments arise.
The first serious test for the sector comes with the Clean Monday long weekend (21–23 February). Industry professionals say bookings are currently at high levels, a trend expected to lift the overall average occupancy for the month.
Speaking to Phileleftheros, Cyprus Hotels Association (PASYXE) Director-General Christos Angelides said February occupancy currently stands at around 30%. However, for the Clean Monday long weekend, hotels that remain open are expected to reach full capacity, with Limassol and Paphos attracting the highest demand, partly due to carnival events in Limassol.
Angelides noted that both cities, beyond their established tourist areas, also benefit from nearby villages that have seen significant investment in recent years in both accommodation and dining. The long weekend offers opportunities for short getaways in these areas, particularly if favourable weather conditions are confirmed.
He also told CNA that several hotels plan to offer organised Clean Monday menus, providing an additional incentive for guests to remain within hotel premises or gardens, which many find convenient.
Linking current performance to efforts to promote year-round tourism, Angelides said the hotel industry must remain open so that both local and international visitors become accustomed to the availability of venues for parties, conferences, outdoor events and large gatherings. He added that flights to Cyprus have increased, including from smaller markets such as Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. Stable flows continue from the United Kingdom and Israel, while Germany is showing early signs of growth.
Angelides said winter and year-round tourism must be a collective effort and not solely the responsibility of hotel operators.
Looking ahead, March is also expected to perform well, with hopes that it will surpass last year’s levels. Several hoteliers have indicated that they will reopen earlier this year in order to be included in tour operator packages for that period. As a result, the tourism season is expected to begin earlier than last year and extend later, with hotels planning to remain open until the end of November.
The timing of Easter is also expected to play a role. According to Angelides, Catholic Easter will take place first, followed by Jewish Passover and then Orthodox Easter. This sequence is expected to link the final days of March with early April, a period during which increased tourist flows are anticipated as the traditional tourism season gathers pace.
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