Cypriots support restaurants and leisure venues amid declining tourist numbers

Residents of Cyprus continue to actively visit restaurants and other leisure venues, offsetting the decline in the number of foreign tourists. According to Neophytos Thrasyvoulou, president of the Federation of Leisure Venue Owners OSIKA, the number of tourists visiting restaurants and entertainment venues this summer is approximately 15–20% lower than a year ago. At the same time, domestic demand remains stable. According to Thrasyvoulou, some areas, including Paphos and the government-controlled areas of Famagusta, have even recorded an increase in visitor numbers.

He attributes the decline in foreign tourists’ activity to the international situation, as well as their choice of cheaper accommodation and a limited holiday budget set in advance. Thrasyvoulou noted the growing importance of Poland as a tourism market for Cyprus. According to him, the share of tourists from Israel is no longer as high as in previous years, while the Russian market has practically disappeared.

He expressed hope that the growth in tourist flows from France, Germany and Central European countries would continue, as well as that the efforts of the deputy minister of tourism to attract visitors from Northern Europe would bear fruit. Speaking about the role of local residents, Thrasyvoulou called Cypriots the foundation supporting the industry not only in summer but throughout the year.

He also called for the winter downturn in tourism to be shortened, which, in his view, would significantly strengthen Cyprus’s tourism industry.