There are no recorded statistics regarding hotel overnight stays in Limassol by locals and foreigners who visit the city specifically for the Wine Festival; however, occupancy rates during those days are high, and hoteliers estimate that the event has a positive impact on tourism activity in the wider area.
The President of the Cyprus Hotel Association of Limassol (CHA), Mr. Christos Tsanos, told “Entrepreneurial Limassol” that the association’s members observe that the period during which the Wine Festival is held corresponds to a high-demand period for Limassol. He added, however, that this increased activity continues throughout September and October, which does not allow for reliable conclusions as to whether the Festival alone attracts additional bookings.
“Certainly, some visitors plan their trip knowing about the event, perhaps from previous years, but there are no numerical indicators to confirm this,” stated the President of CHA Limassol. Mr. Tsanos pointed out that, to the best of his knowledge, the Wine Festival is not promoted abroad months in advance to attract visitors solely for that purpose. He added that advertising is mainly local, aimed at the domestic audience, which may strengthen domestic tourism to some extent.
He emphasized, however, that the Wine Festival undoubtedly adds value to the visitor experience, offering the opportunity to engage with local traditions and Cypriot products. He further stressed that its continuous enhancement is necessary to meet the expectations of the modern visitor. “In essence, the Wine Festival complements Limassol’s tourism product, which already offers a wide range of gastronomic options and leisure activities. The fact that the event is held in a central and easily accessible location within the tourist area is certainly crucial,” concluded the President of CHA Limassol.
“Entrepreneurial Limassol” also sought the views of the General Director of the Cyprus Tourism Enterprises Association (STEK), Ms. Chrisemilys PsilogenΙ, regarding the impact of the Wine Festival on tourist flows and visitor stays in the wider Limassol area. Ms. Psilogeni stated that there are no official records directly linking hotel stays with the Wine Festival. She added, however, that it is a fact that the event attracts a significant number of visitors from other cities in Cyprus, as well as foreign tourists who stay in Limassol during this period.
“Every year, increased hotel occupancy is observed, mainly on weekends, which is also linked to the overall atmosphere created by the event in the city,” she noted. The General Director of STEK emphasized that the Wine Festival is one of Limassol’s most emblematic cultural events, with a positive impact on the local economy and tourism activity. She highlighted that it boosts visitor numbers beyond the strictly summer period, showcases Cypriot tradition and gastronomy, and adds value to the tourism experience.
“At the same time, it contributes to strengthening Limassol’s identity as a city with a vibrant cultural and social pulse,” she noted. Ms. Psilogeni concluded by noting that STEK believes that events such as the Wine Festival play a significant role in efforts to extend the tourist season and highlight Cyprus’s gastronomic wealth. She suggested that further internationalization of the event could be explored, with targeted promotional actions in foreign markets and collaborations with tourism agencies and wine tourism routes. “In this way, the Wine Festival could serve as a tool to promote Limassol and Cyprus as an authentic, experiential destination throughout the year,” she concluded.
