The absence of Russian tourists is noticeable in the Famagusta region and its two main resorts – Ayia Napa and Protaras. As tourism in Cyprus is currently at a low level, local authorities have decided to replace the Russian tourist flow with European ones: tourists from the UK, Scandinavia, Central Europe and domestic travelers. This was announced by Cyprus Mail after a conversation with the head of the regional branch of the Cyprus Association of Pasyxe Hoteliers in the province of Famagusta Doros Takkas.
“The big problem facing this area is the lack of Russian tourists, and tourism is at a very low level,” he said.
Efforts are currently underway to attract visitors from the UK, Scandinavia and Central Europe, while some of the respite will come from Cypriots booking weekends in anticipation of flights from abroad in May.
Only 30-40 percent of Famagusta hotels are in operation, and the rest are expected to open in late April – early May. However, according to the expert, some hotels, which traditionally depend on Russian tourists, will remain closed due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
By the way, hotels aimed at Russian tourists in Turkey have not opened yet. Read the details in the article “Turkish Antalya said that hotels that accept Russians have not yet opened.”
“Due to the fact that it is difficult for tourists from Ukraine and Russia to visit Cyprus this year, efforts to find vacationers are focused on the remaining markets,” the head of the association added.
Now the authorities are focusing on the countries with which there are air connections in order to at least slightly fill the gap. Hoteliers are concentrating on existing markets: first, the British, second, Scandinavian and third, in Central Europe, with the possibility of connecting to Larnaca Airport.
“We focus on these specific markets mostly online to attract as many tourists as possible from these ‘old’ markets, where feedback has previously been low. Among these countries is France, with which we now have many ties,” said the expert.
Asked about the efforts of the Ministry of Transport and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to expand ties with Central Europe, Takkas said that this was the right and only way to cover the deficit of the Russian market, most of which was in the Famagusta area.
“There is a big gap, and we are working hard to work without this market. Everything that can be done is being done,” the expert reported.
Catholic Easter has helped fill hotels, but the number of tourists from abroad is now falling. “We expect Orthodox Easter visits to Cypriots, which will be limited to a two- or three-day stay, but it will be an incentive for the region as we look forward to flying in May so we can see business in the free area of Famagusta,” he said. head of the branch of the hotel association.
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