Paphos hosts British Guild of Travel Writers to boost tourism sector

From April 27 to May 1, the Paphos Regional Board of Tourism and Constantinou Bros Hotels are hosting 36 members of the British Guild of Travel Writers for a familiarization trip. The event aims to promote Paphos through experiential tourism, including visits to sites like the Tombs of the Kings, the Medieval Castle, and the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. Participants are also exploring local gastronomy, wineries, and ecotourism routes. This initiative occurs amidst a difficult period for the Cypriot tourism sector. Reports indicate a significant decline in bookings, with the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents citing a 30% drop in March arrivals and the Cyprus Hotels Association noting a 40% reduction in bookings for March and April. Industry stakeholders attribute this downturn to regional geopolitical tensions, including the March 2 drone strike near the Akrotiri British base, which led to numerous cancellations. Major airlines such as EasyJet and Jet2 have reported shifted consumer demand toward other Mediterranean destinations. The visit serves as a strategic effort to rebuild the market's profile in the United Kingdom.