Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday that the impact of the Middle East crisis on Cyprus' tourism sector remains manageable, while reaffirming the government's goal of extending the tourist season until at least the end of November.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President addressed the 90th Annual General Assembly of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE), noting that the sector entered 2026 with the momentum of a record-breaking 2025 before being affected by regional developments. He stated that losses in airline capacity and holiday packages were "manageable under the circumstances," and that the government had acted swiftly to safeguard Cyprus' air connectivity, maintain scheduled tourism programs, and uphold the country's image as a safe and reliable destination. The President also encouraged hotel operators to take more advantage of government support schemes, highlighting that applications had been limited so far.
President Christodoulides emphasized the government's commitment to making Cyprus a year-round destination, citing the record tourism performance in 2025, when arrivals reached 4.5 million and tourism revenue climbed to £3.7 billion. He also mentioned efforts to expand air links, including planned connectivity with India and the recent launch of direct flights from Kazakhstan. The President referred to the National Tourism Strategy 2035 as the roadmap for the sector's long-term development.
Outgoing PASYXE President Thanos Michaelides stated that Cyprus tourism is at a critical juncture, warning that the Middle East crisis interrupted an exceptionally strong start to the year. He referenced PASYXE research indicating that bookings fell by around 30% in March and April, with weaker demand persisting into May and June. Michaelides called for a comprehensive crisis-management framework for tourism, stronger promotion in European markets, and the establishment of a permanent tourism crisis management team involving government and industry stakeholders. He also announced the launch of Xenios Analytics, a new digital platform designed to collect and analyze hotel industry data to support evidence-based policymaking.
Opening the assembly, PASYXE Director General Christos Angelides marked the association's 90th anniversary as a significant milestone for Cyprus' hotel industry, stating it was an opportunity to reflect on its contribution to the country's economy and to shape the future of Cyprus tourism. The event also honored Archbishop of Cyprus George for the Church of Cyprus' longstanding contribution to tourism and the hotel industry, while 15 hotelier families were recognized for their contribution to the development of Cyprus' hospitality sector.