Paphos tourist season mirrors 2023, July arrivals expected to match 2019

The 2024 tourist season in Paphos is expected to mirror 2023 levels but fall short of the strong numbers seen in 2019, except for July, which might match 2019 arrivals, according to Euripides Loizides, President of the Paphos Hoteliers Association.

Loizides highlighted that although the winter season began promisingly for Paphos hotels, the months of April and May maintained the same levels as in 2023. June saw a mixed performance, recording a 5.5% drop from 2019 figures but a similar rise compared to 2023. He described July as "strange," noting that overall arrivals in Cyprus improved compared to both 2019 and 2023, but this increase was not equally reflected in Paphos hotels. Loizides speculated that this could be due to the growing popularity of Airbnb-style accommodations or an increase in overnight stays in the occupied territories, or perhaps a combination of both factors.

He also pointed out a significant trend in the average length of stay for visitors in Cyprus, which has decreased from 10.5 days to around 7 days, largely due to broader economic pressures.

Looking ahead, Loizides reported that August is shaping up to be a strong month, particularly due to a boost from local tourism. He expressed cautious optimism for September and October, as initial signs suggest satisfactory occupancy rates, although he warned that this outlook could change if unexpected developments arise in neighboring regions.

Source: CNA