Moreover, despite better numbers in terms of total tourists’ arrivals compared to the last two pandemic-hit years, Cyprus registered an 11% decrease in air connectivity.

It noted that for Cyprus the average price of a standard double room at a three-star hotel is at €80, a 5% decrease compared to last summer, according to the information released by Mabrian, which focuses on tourism data points.

Prices for four-star hotels on the island saw a greater reduction of 15% with average prices for a double room at €146, while five-star hotels were relatively unchanged – recording a 2% decrease to €228.

At the other end of the spectrum, Greece remains the most popular summer destination so far this year, with 16,500,000 inbound international flights booked between June 1 and August 31 – recording an 11% increase in its air connectivity.

Hotel prices in Greece were up 5% for three-star hotels, 2% for four-star and 11% for five-stars.

Romania followed Greece with a 6% increase, ranking higher than traditionally sought-after destinations such as Croatia and Spain.

Flight cancellations affecting Cyprus, a consequence of layoffs within airlines and an increase in the price of fuel, have forced almost all hotels on the island to lower their rates. Greece, however, has been less hit by the travel chaos.

Despite the gloomy outlook and the loss of the key Russian market, hoteliers in Cyprus remain upbeat, calling the number of arrivals on the island positive, “especially if compared to the last two years”.

Last week, Marios Polyviou, secretary of the Larnaca branch of the hoteliers’ association Pasyxe, said that reservations through to the end of September and the beginning of October – along with occupancy rates – are so far satisfactory, given the circumstances.

The main markets are the UK, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Romania, with Polyviou also noting an increase in arrivals from Israel.

“There is an increase from Israel this year, for Cyprus in general but for Larnaca more specifically,” he said, adding that he is optimistic given the data on bookings at hotels and that “tourism will be good, provided that the situation remains as it is currently”.

As for the delays at major European airports, Polyviou said that it affects tourist traffic in general and in Larnaca. Looming inconvenience and uncertainty dampen the climate and affects decisions on whether to travel or not, he added.

Source: Cyprus Mail