NICOSIA – Cyprus’ proximity to Israel’ war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a slumping British economy is bringing a hit to tourism on the island, with 30,000 fewer visitors expected and a loss of 25 million euros.

The estimate came from Cyprus Hoteliers Association (PASYXE) President Thanos Michaelides who said other factors included the timing of Easter, reduced flights to Cyprus and 150,000 fewer arrivals, and bankruptcy of a Germany travel agency.

He said that Cyprus needs to try to keep tourists coming year round and not just for the summer sun, sand and beach locations, and that hotels need to operate longer as well, said Philenews about the problem.

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/insider/cyprus-facing-loss-of-30000-tourists-this-season-hoteliers-say/

He said that would reduce labor market seasonality, boost local businesses and state income, and attract more individuals to tourism careers due to increased job stability instead of just during peak tourism periods.

He said that the industry is struggling with a lack of human resources with estimates that the sector employs about 53,000 people, mostly in hospitality, making up 11 percent of the total workforce.

Those include chefs, IT professionals, lawyers, and others, reflecting tourism’s significant impact on the broader economy and job market, he said, noting that 2024 is underperforming after a big 2023.

Limited access to major tourist markets was another concern raised by Michaelides. “Our industry relies heavily on the British market,” he said, “while brand awareness is low in key Central European markets and virtually nonexistent in the US, arguably the world’s most important tourist market.”