The ongoing process of upgrading and enriching Cyprus's tourism product has been confirmed by the updated lists of hotels and tourist accommodations operating in the country, published by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
Based on the data included in the lists, the number of hotels and available beds has increased compared to last year, while in the coming months it is expected to expand further, as several new hotels are preparing to open their doors.
According to the lists (dated 29 January 2026), a total of 280 hotels operate throughout the government-controlled Cyprus, with a capacity of 32,245 rooms and 63,782 beds, compared to 274 hotels, with a capacity of 31,843 rooms and 62,959 beds last year (February 2025).
Based on the data, the vast majority of hotels are located in the district of free Famagusta, specifically in Ayia Napa and Paralimni.
Also, based on the same data, the vast majority of hotels have not yet secured an operating license in accordance with the new legislation passed in 2019.
The ranking
However, regarding the classification of hotels operating throughout Cyprus, according to the updated lists of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, 37 hotels are five-star and 76 are four-star.
Beyond that, 81 hotels are three-star, another 41 are two-star and 20 are one-star, while seven hotels are unstarred.
Based on the lists, the remaining 18 hotels have not yet been classified in any category, possibly because the relevant inspections by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the other competent Ministries and Services of the state have not yet been initiated or carried out.
Geographically distributed
Regarding the geographical distribution of the hotels, an analysis of the data shows that most hotels operate in Ayia Napa and the fewest in Polis Chrysochous.
In more detail:
- There are 13 hotels operating in Nicosia with a capacity of 975 rooms and 1,891 beds, of which 2 are five-star, 2 are four-star, 4 are three-star, 3 are two-star and 2 are one-star.
- There are 33 hotels operating in Limassol with a capacity of 5,313 rooms and 10,597 beds, of which 8 are five-star, 9 are four-star, 9 are three-star, 3 are two-star and 1 is one-star, 1 is without a star, while 2 have not been classified.
- There are 37 hotels operating in Larnaca with a capacity of 2,260 rooms and 4,452 beds, of which 2 are five-star, 6 are four-star, 10 are three-star, 15 are two-star, 2 are one-star, 1 is unrated and 1 is unclassified.
- There are 52 hotels operating in Paphos with a capacity of 9,014 rooms and 17,871 beds, of which 12 are five-star, 24 are four-star, 11 are three-star, 1 is two-star and 3 are one-star, while 1 is not classified.
- There are 60 hotels operating in Ayia Napa with a capacity of 7,976 rooms and 15,697 beds, of which 10 are five-star, 18 are four-star, 24 are three-star, 6 are two-star and 2 are one-star, while 2 have not been classified.
- In Paralimni , there are 38 hotels operating with a capacity of 5,103 rooms and 10,120 beds, of which 2 are five-star, 16 are four-star, 14 are three-star and 4 are two-star, while 2 have not been classified.
- In Polis Chrysochous, there are 10 hotels operating with a capacity of 581 rooms and 1,168 beds, of which 1 is five-star, 2 are three-star, 4 are two-star and 3 are one-star.
- In the mountains, 37 hotels operate with a capacity of 1,023 rooms and 1,986 beds, of which 1 is four-star, 7 are three-star, 5 are two-star, 7 are one-star, 5 are unrated, while 12 hotels are not classified.
New extension and postponement
It is worth mentioning, however, that in relation to the licensing of hotels, the Plenary of the Parliament on 23 January voted in a bill to provide the possibility of issuing a special operating license, based on certain conditions, for hotels and tourist accommodations that are unable to comply with the obligation to issue an operating license as provided for in the provisions of the current legislation.
Based on what was said during the discussion preceding the vote, the proposed regulations were deemed necessary, due to the fact that to date a minimal number of hotels and tourist accommodations have complied with the applicable provisions of the legislation, due to the inability to obtain the required certificates and documents for the issuance of an operating license.
In fact, the absence of a definitive solution, as was stated in the Commerce Committee during the discussion of the proposal, will lead to the closure of a large number of hotels and tourist accommodations, which amounts to undesirable effects on the economy of the Republic.
The proposal that was voted on, however, extends the deadline for obtaining a license to operate hotels and tourist accommodations by one year, so that the said deadline expires on 30 November 2026.
The other deadlines provided for in the law are also extended by one year, in order for unlicensed hotels and tourist accommodations to secure an operating license.
In addition to the aforementioned, the Plenary also voted on a series of other amendments to the legislation with the aim of ensuring that no hotel is at risk of closure due to failure to secure the necessary permits.
It is noted that the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides exercising the powers granted to him by the Constitution, referred the new legislation to the Parliament in its entirety, calling on the House to accept it.
The relevant referral will be discussed in the Commerce Committee tomorrow, Tuesday, 17 February.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
