The President of the Larnaca Hotels Association Marios Polyviou has highlighted the district's potential as a tourist destination in an interview in the electronic edition the Cyprus Hotel Association's online newsletter, 'Xenodochos'.
As he states, "the contribution of the new hotels that have been in operation or are under construction in recent years is very important," noting that more than 10 new hotels have already been in operation, another as many have been renovated, while there are more than 20 hotels under study and construction.
At the same time, Polyviou outlines the prospects for this year's tourist year, emphasising that "Larnaca in recent years, with the development and operation of many hotel units in the center, has transformed into a year-round tourist destination."
The full interview can be read below:
How is this year's tourist season progressing in the Larnaca district?
The year has so far recorded, as expected, high numbers of visits to Larnaca that translated into overnight stays in the city's hotels, and despite the challenges the industry has had to face - such as the war in Israel - the final number of overnight stays for 2025 will hopefully be greater than for 2024.
What are the estimates/forecasts regarding the winter season? Are any hotels expected to remain open? And if so, how many?
The estimates based on the data we have in front of us at the moment are positive for the winter season and most hotels in Larnaca, especially those located in the city centre, will remain open during the winter.
Do you believe that Larnaca can become a year-round tourist destination? If so, how can you achieve this?
In recent years, with the development and operation of many hotel units in the centre, Larnaca has transformed into a year-round tourist destination, offering visitors to Larnaca many options for activities such as visits to museums and archaeological sites, getting to know the nature of Larnaca where the city is surrounded by wetlands that are fantastic in winter, excursions to the countryside, and the experience of local gastronomy through the many choices of taverns and restaurants serving local and international cuisine in the city centre.
What actions do you believe should be taken in this direction by the state, as well as by tourism organisations, including hoteliers?
The part of the tourism industry that we, all the stakeholders, should further develop in Larnaca is the so-called tourist area that you find on the Larnaca-Dhekelia road.
That's where the "heavy artillery" of the city's hotels are located, with the large hotel units that enjoy high occupancy rates during the summer season. However, in the winter, occupancy rates drop sharply, resulting in some of our large hotels having no other choice but to close for a few months.
Much needs to be done on the part of the state, such as strengthening the flight schedule of airlines at Larnaka Airport during the winter season, as well as completing the infrastructure projects under construction in the area that are currently underway this year.
From the private sector's perspective, there needs to be work done, both in infrastructure and the construction or renovation of hotels or restaurants, as well as coordinated actions with local bodies such as Larnaca Regional Tourism Boards, the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce, the Cyprus Hotels Association and the Municipality of Larnaca to attract new markets and improve the existing tourism product.
From which countries does Larnaca attract the most visitors and which markets are you targeting for the future?
Larnaca has in recent years received the most visitors from the United Kingdom, Israel, Lebanon, Poland and Germany, these being the most important markets.
We aim to develop the above markets, and especially the United Kingdom, where, as Larnaca, we lag behind compared to the rest of Cyprus.
According to the latest figures released by the Larnaca Tourism Board, tourism development in the district has been on an upward trend in recent years. How significant is this development and what does it mean for the city?
The contribution of the new hotels that have been in operation or are under construction in recent years is very important. More than 10 new hotels have been in operation, another as many have been completely renovated, and more than 20 are under study and construction.
The new hotels have added double the number of beds to the city's capacity and have upgraded the product, resulting in attracting a much larger number of visitors with all the beneficial consequences for the local economy.
Do you have any information about new investments in the tourism sector in general and specifically about the opening of new hotels in the Larnaca district? Is there anything specific you can share with us?
Many development projects have been licensed and announced in our city, including large tourist developments, something which is very positive and will contribute to the further development of both the tourism industry and the economy of Larnaca in general.
The new and fully renovated Palm Beach Resort, located in the tourist area of Larnaca, is expected to open within the next year and will contribute positively to the further development of tourism.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
