Cyprus tourism struggles as British holiday cancellations rise

Cyprus is currently facing significant challenges in its tourism sector, primarily due to a rise in cancellations from British tourists amid a broader cost of living crisis affecting Europe. Earlier this year, the island experienced around 30,000 cancellations, which resulted in an estimated economic loss of £30 million. Despite these setbacks, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, emphasized that the overall performance of the tourism industry remains strong, with a notable increase in visitor numbers and revenue. In 2023, Cyprus has seen a remarkable recovery in tourist arrivals, nearing pre-pandemic levels. After a drastic drop to just 632,000 visitors in 2020, the numbers rebounded impressively to approximately 3.8 million in 2023. This resurgence is attributed to the island's appeal, characterized by its favorable climate, beautiful beaches, and rich historical sites. The UK continues to be a significant source of tourists, with a 3.3 percent increase in arrivals noted for the first half of the year. Koumis also addressed concerns regarding the impact of the bankruptcy of a major German tour operator, clarifying that its market share in Cyprus was minimal, with only 30,000 bookings annually. Therefore, the negative repercussions for the local tourism industry were limited. He reassured stakeholders that the sector is resilient and capable of overcoming current challenges. Despite the ongoing heatwave and related health impacts, including fatalities from heatstroke, the tourism sector in Cyprus is showing signs of recovery and growth, indicating a positive outlook for the remainder of the year.