Cyprus tourism sector shows improvement during August peak

As of mid-August 2026, the tourism sector in Cyprus is experiencing a significant improvement in activity compared to May, though it remains slightly below the levels recorded during the same period last year. Beachfront regions, specifically Ayia Napa and Protaras, are currently near full capacity as the peak summer holiday season unfolds.

According to Marios Polyviou, President of PASYXE Larnaca, the surge in last-minute bookings is mitigating an initial 10% decline in reservations. While these bookings cannot drive overall growth compared to previous years, they are effectively narrowing the gap. Data from the Statistics Department published in late June indicated a 16% drop in tourism revenue, which officials note may impact the profitability of individual hotel units throughout the year.

Industry experts, including PASYXE President Giannos Pantazis, noted that while occupancy rates are high, they have not yet fully reached the figures seen in August 2025. Stakeholders are continuing to monitor the situation, with a final assessment of the industry's annual financial performance expected at the end of the year.