Paphos hotels experienced a moderate occupancy rate in December, ranging between 35 and 40 per cent, according to Evripides Loizides, president of the Paphos Hoteliers’ Association (Pasyxe).
Loizides also said that the sector is trying to cope with lost arrivals due to the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine by targeting alternative markets in Europe.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Loizides explained that despite initial expectations, December turned out to be a “good month.”
In the Paphos district, where 8,500 hotels and other forms of tourist accommodation are currently operational, Loizides highlighted the positive trend during the Christmas and New Year period, with some hotels reaching occupancy levels of 80 to 85 per cent.
Furthermore, he noted that January poses a challenge, as it is considered to be the most difficult month of the year for the hospitality sector in Paphos.
Looking ahead to February, Loizides acknowledged the first twenty days as potentially difficult for the sector but expressed optimism about an improving situation thereafter.
“Cooperating closely with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Paphos hotels are exploring alternative markets such as Germany, France, and Poland, precisely as a response to challenges arising from arrivals from Ukraine, Russia, and Israel,” Loizides said.
“The success of a significant €850,000 digital campaign, conducted in collaboration with the Paphos Regional Tourism Board (Etap), spanning a three-year timeline, ending in 2024, has shown tangible results in terms of increased traffic and attracting tourists to Paphos,” the Pasyxe president stated.
Furthermore, despite a 3.8 per cent decrease in occupancy rates in 2023, when compared to the record year of 2019, Loizides noted an improvement from the previous year.
Additionally, he highlighted that the increased operating costs, driven by elevated interest rates, significantly impacted profitability.
Loizides also underscored “that a lot of effort will be required to fill the gap left by reduced arrivals from Israel, Russia, and Ukraine”.
Turning attention to sports tourism, the president of the Paphos Hoteliers’ Association mentioned current challenges, as the lack of stadiums and sports infrastructure in Paphos limits expectations for hosting many sports teams from European countries for training purposes.
It should be noted that earlier this week, the Famagusta Hoteliers Association said that hotels in the district expect an occupancy rate of 20-30 per cent in January-February, dropping from 50-60 per cent during Christmas.