The City of Dreams Mediterranean, which hosted over three million visitors last year in a particularly profitable period, had from the very beginning a mission identical to that of the main players in Cypriot tourism, points out General Property Manager of City of Dreams Mediterranean Grant Johnson: “to enrich Cyprus’ tourism offering, to extend the season, and to attract new audiences.”
In a recent interview with IN Business magazine, Johnson provided examples of ideas that have become actions and suggested ways of implementing other related goals, noting, "Maintaining a positive image and increasing visitor arrivals requires a collaborative, forward-looking approach between tourism stakeholders, including local authorities, and the central government."
2024 was one of the best years for tourism, with arrivals exceeding 4 million and revenues reaching €3.2 billion. How was this experience for hoteliers and how do you foresee the continuation of 2025?
Last year was indeed an excellent year for Cypriot tourism, with a positive impact on the hotel sector. The high tourist traffic coupled with strong consumer confidence created the right conditions for high occupancy and increased demand across the hospitality sector.
At City of Dreams Mediterranean, we welcomed over 3 million visitors to the property in 2024. We saw robust demand from our traditional markets while interest in entertainment was also boosted.
As far as 2025 is concerned, we are optimistic that the year will outpace 2024 based on bookings for the year.
What has been the contribution of hoteliers in attracting record numbers of tourist arrivals? How do you promote your hotel/s abroad?
From day one, our mission has been clear: to enrich Cyprus’ tourism offering, to extend the season, and to attract new audiences from Europe, the Gulf, and Asia. Through our "Sunshine Guaranteed" campaign, our global PR and influencer partnerships, and strong ties with international media, we’ve helped shine a spotlight on Cyprus—not just as a destination, but as a world-class experience.
To us, City of Dreams Mediterranean is more than a resort – it is a platform for sharing Cyprus with the world.
Which markets do your hotel guests come from, and which category do they fall into? Has the gap in the Russian market been filled?
City of Dreams Mediterranean has managed to attract visitors from every corner of the globe, with the majority coming from Europe and the Middle East. The resort attracts visitors, including families, and conventioneers, who wish to experience high-end leisure and entertainment experiences on offer.
What are the main trends in the tourism/hotel industry and how are customer preferences shaped? What are your hotel customers looking for nowadays?
Cyprus has long been known for its postcard-perfect summers: golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a warm Mediterranean sun. However, a lot of travellers nowadays visit countries for history and culture, for authentic food and wine, for wellness, events, and adventure. There is also a trend towards high-end, all-inclusive resorts, as visitors enjoy the convenience of having all facilities in one place.
City of Dreams Mediterranean offers a wide range of premium experiences to meet the needs of a diverse audience—from concerts and spectacular shows to tours to places of historic and cultural importance – seeking to tap into new consumer groups and contribute towards establishing Cyprus as a year-round destination.
What steps need to be taken by hoteliers in cooperation with tourism stakeholders to maintain this positive image and why not, to increase arrivals further? How do you invest in your hotel?
Maintaining a positive image and increasing visitor arrivals requires a collaborative, forward-looking approach between tourism stakeholders, including local authorities, and the central government.
I think continuing to address seasonality should be our strategic priority. We must work collectively to extend the tourism season through targeted promotions, partnerships with airlines and tour operators, and by hosting off-season events, conferences, and cultural experiences that attract a broader demographic.
Another area that is coming into sharper focus is sustainable tourism. Today’s travellers are increasingly conscious of their environmental and social impact. By integrating eco-friendly practices—such as energy-efficient operations, water conservation, waste reduction, and sourcing locally—we not only protect the environment but also align our brand with the values of modern guests. This balanced approach will help stabilise employment, ensure product quality, and support the local economy year-round.
What are your forecasts for 2026? Do you already have a picture?
Our immediate focus is on the upcoming winter season, where we aim to highlight the vibrant, all-year-round appeal of Cyprus through our signature “Sunshine Guarantee” and specially curated excursion programme. These initiatives are designed to showcase the island’s unique blend of mild Mediterranean climate, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage — even during the cooler months.
Guests at City of Dreams Mediterranean can look forward to an elevated entertainment calendar featuring world-class performances and unforgettable moments. From spectacular live concerts by international and local artists to dazzling shows, festive celebrations, there’s something for everyone.
A version of this interview, translated into Greek, first appeared in the August edition of IN Business magazine. Click here to view it.
