Domestic customers are supporting restaurants and leisure businesses across Cyprus, while tourist visits remain below last summer’s levels.
Cypriots are providing a summer boost to restaurants and other hospitality venues across the island, while visits by tourists are down by approximately 15% to 20% from last year.
Neophytos Thrasyvoulou, president of the Federation of Leisure Centre Owners Associations (OSIKA), described business at coastal and mountain destinations as “very satisfactory”.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Monday, he said Cypriots had chosen to support local businesses despite many travelling abroad.
“There has been no decline among Cypriots,” he said, adding that some areas, including Paphos and the government-controlled areas of Famagusta district, had recorded an increase.
Tourists cut back on eating out
Tourist visits to restaurants and leisure venues remain 15% to 20% lower year on year.
Thrasyvoulou attributed the decline to international developments and the accommodation and dining choices made by visitors.
He said tourists choosing very low-cost accommodation did not necessarily have more money available for eating out, as many travelled on limited, predetermined budgets.
“If someone comes to Cyprus with €50 and finds an apartment for another €50, they think they will be able to go out and eat for €5. That is not possible,” he said.
Poland grows in importance
Thrasyvoulou said Poland was emerging as an important tourism market for Cyprus.
Israel no longer accounts for the same proportion of visitors as in previous years, while the Russian market has “disappeared altogether”, he said.
He expressed hope that last year’s growth in visitors from France, Germany and Central Europe would continue.
Thrasyvoulou also said he hoped the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to attract visitors from northern European countries would produce results.
Domestic customers support businesses year-round
Thrasyvoulou described Cypriots as the “starter” and “yeast” sustaining the sector, underlining the importance of domestic customers to the long-term viability of hospitality businesses.
“These are the people who support us not for one day or one week, but for years,” he said.
He thanked Cypriots who had continued to visit restaurants and leisure venues this summer despite the economic pressures facing households.
Call to extend the tourism season
Thrasyvoulou said reducing the length of the winter low season could significantly strengthen Cyprus’s tourism economy.
He also expressed hope that peace would return to the region, allowing the tourism industry to operate normally.
Cyprus has “all the capabilities and prospects” to become more competitive and outperform rival destinations, he said.
“A joint effort by all of us will bring the desired result,” he added.
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