The news regarding tourism in Limassol is positive, as an increase in arrivals has been recorded, along with the recovery of the significant loss from the Russian market, stated the Vice President of Tourism Ms. Anthi Theocharous, to “Entrepreneurial Limassol”. According to her, Limassol used to absorb a large share of the approximately 800,000 annual arrivals of Russian tourists to Cyprus. "It is therefore very encouraging that this loss has been covered, while tourism, after the pandemic, is on an overall positive course". However, Ms. Theocharous pointed out that geopolitical developments impact tourism, especially when they concern countries important for Cyprus and Limassol.
Limassol's share of the national tourism market this year stood at 14%, compared to the 15%-16% it used to hold in the past. This decline, explained Ms. Theocharous, is attributed to a reduction in hotel rooms due to the conversion of hotels for alternative uses under urban planning incentives. As of October, arrivals across Cyprus reached 3.7 million, compared to 3.5 million during the same period last year, with projections suggesting they will exceed 4 million by the end of the year, compared to 3.84 million in 2023.
Ms. Theocharous highlighted Limassol's key advantage of being a year-round destination. "Limassol offers the widest variety of high-quality services, both in accommodations and gastronomy, attracting visitors of higher income status. Revenue per tourist in Limassol is slightly higher compared to other districts" she noted. Regarding seasonality, she emphasized that it remains a general challenge for Cyprus due to reduced airplane connectivity during the winter months. However, Limassol faces this issue to a lesser extent than other districts.
The Tourism Vice President included among domestic tourists, Russians, Ukrainians and other permanent residents of Cyprus, stressing that Limassol particularly benefits from them, especially in the food and beverage industry and related services. For this winter season, she predicts activity will remain at last year’s levels, partly due to a decline in cruise tourism, which traditionally boosts the months beyond the summer season.
Despite the challenges, Limassol leverages periods of increased visitor activity, such as February with local events, as well as initiatives like medical and maritime conferences, cycling races, and mountain hiking. Nevertheless, Limassol still does not rank as the first choice of accommodation for Cypriots, who tend to favor Paphos and the non-occupied part of Famagusta, especially during the summer months.
The LCCI Tourism Committee, as stated by Ms. Theocharous, consists of notable professionals from various sectors of the tourism industry. It convenes regularly and works closely with relevant authorities and local organizations, promoting solutions through the LCCI Board with tangible results.
