Most hotels in the free Famagusta district are opening as planned for Easter despite a sharp fall in bookings linked to the war in the Middle East, with tourism operators offering special packages to attract Cypriot visitors.
65 hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras are already open, with the rest expected to follow by the end of April, bringing the total to 252, according to Panayiotis Constantinou, president of the Famagusta branch of the Cyprus Hotels Association (PASYXE).
Bookings are around 42% down, Constantinou told Phileleftheros, though he noted that cancellations had slowed — “which is encouraging.” Weekend occupancy has been lifted by events organised by the two municipalities, and Easter packages targeting domestic visitors are expected to bring further improvement in the coming weeks.
Restaurants in the area are also opening, with the municipalities of Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Deryneia preparing for an increase in arrivals.
Giorgos Tofinis, president of the Famagusta Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP), said the district offers a mix of religious traditions inland, nature walks and access to the sea over Easter, with Cape Greco among the main draws for visitors of all ages.
Spring conditions are ideal for activities and exploration, he said, strengthening the district’s image as a destination beyond summer.
A series of major sporting events through April are also drawing athletes and visitors from abroad, according to ETAP.
These include a large youth football tournament in early April, the Cyprus Road Race Grand Prix in Protaras, and the International Open Water Swimming Cup in Protaras on 18–19 April 2026.
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