Famagusta tourism sector faces booking decline ahead of spring season

The tourism sector in the Famagusta district is beginning the 2025 season under significant pressure, with booking volumes reported to be 40 to 42 percent lower than in the previous year. According to Panayiotis Constantinou, president of the Famagusta branch of the Cyprus Hotels Association (PASYXE), 65 hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras have already opened, with a total of 252 expected to be operational by late April. The decline in activity is largely attributed to the ongoing war in the Middle East, causing economic uncertainty for local businesses and employees. To mitigate the impact, the government has implemented a support scheme covering 30 percent of employee salaries for April. Operators are focusing on domestic tourism through Easter packages and events, alongside international sporting competitions to stimulate demand. While booking numbers remain low, industry officials report that the rate of cancellations has slowed, providing some optimism. Local municipalities and the Famagusta Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP) are actively promoting regional activities and religious tourism to attract visitors.