The upcoming tourist season in Larnaca is facing significant challenges, largely influenced by the war in Gaza.
Stakeholders are anxiously monitoring the situation, striving to maintain tourist flows at least on par with last year’s levels.
In 2023, Larnaca enjoyed a good tourist season, with a notable increase in tourist arrivals and a growing market share, thanks to the opening of new hotels.
However, this year tells a different story.
According to Marios Polyviou, president of the Larnaca Hoteliers Association (PASYXE), bookings are currently subdued, trailing behind last year’s figures for the same period. Particularly impacted are bookings from Israel, traditionally the second-largest market, now dwindling due to the war.
Polyviou stated to Phileleftheros, “The situation in Israel has impacted both current arrivals and future bookings from the country. Additionally, European visitors are showing hesitancy in booking summer packages due to the volatile Middle Eastern situation.”
Another contributing factor to the decline in arrivals is the slightly reduced availability of air seats in Cyprus this year. Polyviou remarked, “We are awaiting updates from airlines and Hermes Airports to determine the extent of seat reductions and affected destinations. Flights from Israel have likely been significantly affected, with some being cancelled.”
Anticipated to further dampen tourism prospects are two major European sporting events: Euro 2024 in Germany, scheduled from June 14 to July 14, and the Paris Olympics, slated to take place from July 26 to August 11. Polyviou added, “Collectively, these factors cast doubt on whether this year’s tourist season will match the success of 2023. We may struggle to achieve the same visitor numbers over time.”
Despite these challenges, demand persists from traditional markets such as Britain, Germany, and Poland.
Hotels that remain closed are expected to reopen by mid-April, including the “Mercure City Hotel,” a new addition to Larnaca’s city centre, set to raise its shutters during the same period.