Anna Polyviou
About 30,000 international visitors are expected to arrive in Nicosia as Cyprus takes on the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a figure that highlights both the scale of the event and its global reach. The surge of officials, experts, journalists, and delegation staff is set to bring a wave of activity to the capital and beyond, while also placing the country firmly in the international spotlight.
Officials say Cyprus is being called not only to manage the demands of such a large-scale undertaking but also to seize the moment to showcase itself as modern, reliable and welcoming. Successfully hosting thousands of visitors is seen as crucial, since the presidency is a major milestone with direct impact on how the country is perceived abroad.
Hotels on the front line
Christiana Iakovidou, head of the PASYXE Nicosia, said hotels will play a central and multi-layered role during the presidency. Their job goes far beyond providing rooms, she noted, it extends to shaping the overall experience visitors take home with them. Service standards, professionalism and quality will be key factors influencing Cyprus’s international image during the six-month term.
This will be the second time Cyprus holds the EU Council presidency, after its first stint in the second half of 2012. Iakovidou said that earlier experience has provided valuable know-how, helping organizers anticipate needs, prepare logistics and fine-tune arrangements.
Roughly 250 meetings and events are planned, more than 20 of them considered high-level gatherings with senior European officials. Hotels have already prepared with renovations and additional hiring to meet demand, she added, stressing that preparation is not just about accommodation but about the impression the country leaves on its guests.
The presidency is expected to generate around 60,000 overnight stays, with about one-third taking place in Nicosia. The busiest stretch is forecast for March through June, when activity will peak and hospitality services will be under the greatest pressure.
Boost beyond tourism
The economic ripple effect is expected to extend well beyond hotels. Restaurants, shops and other businesses across the island are likely to see increased traffic as visiting delegations move around Cyprus.
Officials say the presidency offers a rare chance for the country to promote its image internationally, highlight its hospitality sector and strengthen the economy. Hosting dozens of conferences and thousands of visitors is also expected to spotlight the country’s growing tourism and business sectors.
Turning Nicosia into a year-round destination
Iakovidou said targeted strategies are needed to turn Nicosia into a year-round tourist destination. Strong branding, international promotion and strategic planning could help the capital attract visitors beyond the traditional travel season, boosting hotel sustainability and local economic growth.
She pointed to alternative tourism as a key opportunity. Religious tourism, for example, could capitalize on the city’s large number of churches, while business tourism could expand thanks to modern conference centers and meeting venues capable of hosting seminars, conventions and corporate events.
With the right strategy, these niches could extend the tourism season, increase visitor numbers and improve the long-term viability of hotels while creating wider economic benefits for the city. Incentives for hoteliers to stay open year-round would also help ensure visitors can be accommodated at any time and support stable employment in the sector.
The transport challenge
One major hurdle remains connectivity. Because Nicosia has no airport, visitors typically need to rent a car to reach the capital and move around, which can affect convenience and accessibility. Improving transport infrastructure and strengthening links with major tourist hubs are seen as essential steps to boost visitor numbers and enhance the overall travel experience.
