The 2025 tourism season has kicked off on a strong note for the coastal resorts of Ayia Napa and Protaras, with hotels in the Famagusta region reporting higher-than-usual occupancy rates for this time of year.
Boosted by overlapping religious holidays – Orthodox Easter, Catholic Easter, and Passover – the area has seen a sharp rise in tourist arrivals. Local businesses also benefited from the 23rd McDonald’s Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival, which attracted over 5,000 young participants from Cyprus and abroad.
According to Panayiotis Constantinou, head of the Famagusta branch of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE), nearly all hotels in the area have been operating since early April. “Some properties will open after Easter or in early May, but they’re the exception,” he told local newspaper Phileleftheros. “Occupancy rates throughout April are hovering between 60–65%, with some hotels fully booked during the holiday peak.”
The majority of visitors currently holidaying in the region hail from the UK, Scandinavia, Poland, Israel, and central Europe. A notable number of domestic travellers have also opted for stays in Ayia Napa and Protaras. “We’re satisfied with the numbers,” Constantinou said, adding that forecasts for the rest of the season are highly promising. “If no unforeseen developments arise, we’re on track for a better season than in 2024.”
In a bid to enhance the visitor experience, local authorities have curated a robust calendar of cultural and festive events. The Paralimni-Deryneia Municipality is hosting its first traditional culture festival, Voices and Memories, running through April 30. Meanwhile, Ayia Napa’s municipality has rolled out a programme focused on Cypriot heritage and Easter traditions.
“Beyond spiritual reflection, Easter offers opportunities for nature walks in Cape Greco, visits to the region’s scenic chapels, strolls along coastal promenades, and even cycling routes across the province,” noted the Famagusta Tourism Board. “The free district of Famagusta continues to stand out as an ideal destination.”
