Tourism in Paphos recovering slower than expected due to travel advisories

Despite the increase in passenger numbers at Paphos Airport ahead of the summer season, the region's tourism industry is not yet feeling the expected influx of holidaymakers. Hoteliers and tourism business representatives note that hotel occupancy remains below forecasts, despite the gradual normalization of the situation in the Middle East.

According to industry experts, one of the main reasons remains the ongoing British travel advisories for Cyprus, introduced after the outbreak of military conflict in the region and a drone incident near the Akrotiri base. Although the situation on the island stabilized long ago, official UK warnings remain in place.

Thanos Michaelides, President of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association (PASYXE), noted that it is these advisories that are having a serious impact on tourist flow. According to him, insurance companies view trips to Cyprus as potentially risky, which makes holidays less attractive and more expensive for British tourists.

The industry is also drawing attention to the caution of travelers from Western and Northern European countries regarding the entire Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, air service with Israel is already recovering: flights between Tel Aviv and Paphos are operating again, although passenger traffic has not yet reached pre-war levels.

At Paphos International Airport, the number of flights from Europe has practically returned to normal indicators, but aircraft occupancy remains below average for this time of year.

Tourism industry representatives express hope that British advisories will be reviewed in the coming weeks, allowing Paphos to fully restore the tourist season and compensate for the losses of recent months.