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Marios Demetriou on Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort's philosophy of investing in experiences

"Nowadays, travellers are not just looking for a luxurious room and good service, they want to experience something special, and at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort we have based our entire philosophy on this," says the hotel's General Manager, Marios Demetriou. 

In an interview in the August issue of IN Business magazine, Demetriou emphasises that in order for Cyprus as a country to achieve even better results in the tourism sector, the cooperation of all those involved is necessary.

As he points out in this regard, it is necessary to highlight and position Cyprus as a quality destination on the international map, invest in modern infrastructure, achieve better air connectivity and continuously train personnel. 

According to Marios Demetriou, with effective cooperation of all stakeholders, 2026 can be another landmark year for Cyprus tourism.

Referring specifically to the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, Marios Demetriou underlines that beyond infrastructure, it also invests in experiences, having created a destination with a distinct identity and lifestyle.

"Our strategy," he explains, "includes targeted partnerships with international travel agents, participation in luxury tourism exhibitions, collaborations with well-known brands and a strong digital presence that addresses demanding audiences."

2024 was one of the best years in terms of tourism, with arrivals exceeding 4 million and revenues reaching €3.2 billion. How did hoteliers find this experience and what can you say about 2025?

Occupancies in 2024 fluctuated at high levels, especially during the summer months, while a significant increase in bookings was observed from travelers who show a prefernece for quality tourism and expect unique experiences.

This year, there is strong demand for accommodation packages that are tailored to the needs of each visitor, wellness programs and activities that combine nature, sports and gastronomy.

What was the contribution of hoteliers in attracting record numbers of tourist arrivals? How do you promote your hotel abroad?  

At Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, beyond infrastructure, we also invest in experiences. We have created a destination with a distinct identity and lifestyle.

Our strategy includes targeted partnerships with international travel agents, participation in luxury tourism exhibitions, collaborations with well-known brands and a strong digital presence that addresses demanding audiences.

Our hotel is located within the wider area of the seaside settlement of Cap St Georges, which was created over the last ten years with the aim of putting Cyprus on the map of top international destinations.

At the same time, we are particularly sensitive to issues related to the environment and nature. We actively participate in the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal and we take care of the natural landscape around us with absolute respect.

The hotel is surrounded by Cypriot vegetation, with centuries-old olive trees, aromatic plants and trees that make the visitors' experience even more special and deeply connected to the place.

Nowadays, travellers are not just looking for a luxurious room and good service. They want to experience something special. At Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, we have based our entire philosophy on this.

Our guests can, among other things, take private boat trips to the Akamas coastline, horseback ride on special routes, take running or walking on nature trails, participate in tastings, local experiences and wellness programmes.

We also have two football fields built according to FIFA standards, as well as padel, tennis, basketball and futsal courts.

Returning visitors

What markets do your visitors come from and what category do they fall into? Has the Russian market gap been filled?

Our visitors come mainly from the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, Central Europe and, of course, from Cyprus.

Although we have diversified our audience by investing in new markets, the Russian gap has not yet been filled. The modern traveller, however, is not limited geographically.

Also, I should mention that 20% of our bookings come from tour operators and luxury agencies, 40% are made directly through our website or concern corporate tourism, 10%come from Cypriots and the rest from online platforms.

It is noteworthy that over 30% of our visitors return, which we consider a great success.

However, in order for us as a country to achieve even better results in the tourism sector, the cooperation of all those involved is necessary.

It is necessary to highlight and position Cyprus as a quality destination on the international map, to invest in modern infrastructure, to achieve better air connectivity and to ensure continuous training of personnel.                    

With a flexible strategy

What are the main trends in the tourism/hotel industry and how are customer preferences shaped? What are your customers looking for now?

The challenges in the hotel industry are multifaceted, from geopolitical developments and rising energy costs to the difficulty in finding suitable staff. We address them with an adaptive and flexible strategy, long-term planning and targeted investments.

We integrate energy-saving technologies, strengthen the stability and training of our human resources, offer competitive incentives and focus on experiences that no alternative form of hospitality can offer.

What Paphos needs

 What actions should be taken by hoteliers in collaboration with tourism stakeholders in order to maintain this positive image and, why not, further increase arrivals? How do you invest in your hotels? 

The Cape of Saint George in Peyia and the Paphos district in general constitute a unique combination of natural beauty, genuine local tradition and easy access.

However, what should be mentioned is the limited seasonal air connection to Paphos, as well as the need for the airport to have the appropriate infrastructure so that it can serve private jets and offer a separate VIP section.

Support is needed here to support the further development of the area.

Preparing for 2026

What are your predictions for 2026? Do you already have a picture?

With the effective cooperation of all stakeholders involved, 2026 can be another landmark year for Cyprus tourism.

Regarding Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, we are preparing new experiences, new wellness programmes, hosting sports teams for training, strengthening our culinary program with Michelin-starred chefs, but also with the addition of a new water park and the implementation of Top Golf.

Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort

  • Founder :  Korantina Homes
  • Founded : 2022
  • Area : Cape Agios Georgios Pegeias in Paphos
  • Rooms:  202
  • Staff:  300+

(Source: InBusinessNews)

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