Ayia Napa and Protaras hotels to extend season by two weeks

Some hotels, mainly in the Ayia Napa and Protaras areas of Cyprus, have announced plans to extend their operating season in 2026 by an additional two weeks — in March and November.

The decision is seen as part of a strategic goal to transform the island into a year-round tourist destination. It is noted that the two-week extension is largely symbolic and requires years of systematic work to attract tourists, tour operators, and airlines.

The success of the initiative also depends on the simultaneous operation of related sectors — restaurants, transport, and supermarkets. For the current season, efforts are being made to keep as many hotels open throughout November as possible, with a particular focus on the Famagusta area.

The international context of these efforts is highlighted by the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) exhibition in London, which will take place at the ExCeL exhibition center from November 4 to 6 and gather around 45,000 tourism industry professionals. The theme of WTM 2025 is "Redefining Travel in a Changing World," with sustainable tourism issues on the agenda.

The mild autumn and spring weather in Cyprus is cited as a factor supporting the season extension, whereas extreme heat during the summer months hinders the operation of the resort sector.