Paphos hotel occupancy at 35% - 40% in December 2023

Occupancy at Paphos district hotels of the Paphos ranged from 35% to 40% in December 2023, according to the President of the Paphos Hoteliers' Association Evripides Loizides, who noted that December was a "good month" compared to what had been anticipated.

In the district of Paphos, 8,500 beds are currently in operation at hotels and tourist accommodations licensed by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

In statements to CNA, Loizides mentioned that occupancy increased during the three days of Christmas and New Year, and at a certain time at some hotels of Paphos, had reached up to 80% - 85%.

He noted, however, that January is considered the most difficult month of the year, while for February, Loizides noted that the first twenty days are set to be quite difficult, but then the picture will start to improve somewhat.

Asked to elaborate, Loizides stated that there is excellent cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and that openings are also being made in other markets such as the German, French and Polish markets, especially after the issue that arose with the arrivals from Ukraine, Russia, and Israel. 

He also added that the large electronic/digital campaign, at a cost of 850,000 euros, which spans a three-year horizon until 2024, and is being carried out in collaboration with the Paphos Regional Tourism Board (ETAP), has produced substantial results in terms of increasing traffic and attracting tourism to Paphos. 

Loizides stated that in 2023 occupancy fluctuated by 3.8% below the record year that was 2019. He indicated that, in 2023, hotel attendance was improved compared to 2022 but had150,000 fewer tourists than in 2019 and noted that operating costs were many times the revenue. In addition, he said, the large cost of the increased interest rates severely reduced profitability. 

He also pointed out that "a lot of running and work is needed to fill the gap from Israel but also from Russia and Ukraine."

Concerning sports tourism, the president of the Paphos Hoteliers' Association stated that, at the moment, they are not expecting many sports teams from European countries for training due to the lack of stadiums and sports infrastructure in Paphos. 

(Source: CNA)