CYPRUS: Hoteliers believe Brexit delay will see bookings rise

With Easter traditionally launching the summer season for Cyprus’ tourist season, stakeholders in the  industry are evaluating how the year may turn out and believe Brexit delay could boost bookings.

With the market appearing somewhat numbed at the moment, hoteliers are hoping that an extension granted on Brexit will help keep numbers up, especially from Britain – the island’s largest tourist market. Brussels has given Britain until October this year, pleasing the Cyprus Hotel Association that feels this will reignite interest from UK tourists for summer holidays on the island.

Zacharias Ioannides, Cyprus Hotel Association's (PASYXE) Director-General said that some markets are lagging behind, compared to last year, with their bookings currently down by up to 15%.

"However, we are witnessing occupancy rates gathering pace. The extension from Brussels to Teresa May until October gives our tourism some breathing space," said PASYXE's Ioannides.

He stressed that as long as there is turbulence in the exchange rates, there will be a further boost in bookings”. Ioannides, however, noted that competition this year from rival destinations will be more intense.