According to Evripides Loizides of the Cyprus Hotels Association (PASYXE) Paphos branch, practically all hotel establishments that remained open for the period, recorded significant occupancy rates over the Christmas and are also expecting satisfactory rates for the New Year long weekend.

This is largely due to Cypriot visitors, according to Loizides, who pointed out that there has been no change in the number of flights into Paphos airport, which fall dramatically in the winter months.

Russian tourists are less than expected, as most are choosing to travel to Turkey and Egypt instead, mostly because they cannot afford Cyprus’ package tours, the hotelier says.

Efforts are being made, Loizides said, for more and more tourist beds in the area to remain in full operation in the winter season, especially for next year.

Tourists arrivals are expected to pick up after mid-February, while summer promises to be much better with arrivals both from traditional and new markets.

Source: InCyprus