“Larnaca’s advantage lies in its authenticity. It doesn’t need to copy other cities; it needs to refine its own identity. A mix of coastal lifestyle, quality dining and relaxed luxury can become its signature. What’s needed now is investment in strong concepts, support for innovation and better storytelling around local gastronomy,” suggests the Director of Operations and Partner of Lush Beach Bar Resto, Almar Seafood Bar, Galu Seaside, Valtou Rigani Greek Restaurant and Mikes Kanarium City Hotel.
Speaking to GOLD magazine, Efstathiades has seen from up close how Larnaca’s entertainment and hospitality sector has evolved in recent years, with guests seeking more sophisticated offerings and the city focusing on diversifying its available experiences. Here, he shares his views on Larnaca’s present status and what the future holds.
Larnaca is now known for its vibrant nightlife but that wasn’t always the case. How has the entertainment sector developed over the past decade and what has changed in the way people like to spend an evening out?
Larnaca has evolved from offering simple nightlife to delivering a complete lifestyle experience. Today, people don’t just go out for drinks or food; they go out in search of a feeling. They are more sophisticated than before. Cypriots are traveling abroad more than ever and becoming increasingly educated in the world of hospitality, culinary standards and global experiences. As a result, expectations have risen. They now seek atmosphere, thoughtful design, curated music and a high level of service. Quality is no longer optional; it’s essential. At the same time, going out is often driven by a deeper need for connection. People choose venues not only for what they offer but for what they represent. Much like purchasing a luxury fashion brand, guests are drawn to places that reflect their identity, satisfy their sense of belonging and align with their personal values. Venues that truly understand branding and experience are the ones that stand out.
Inflation has affected the sector across the world. What are its main effects on Larnaca’s entertainment and hospitality venues and what could help the sector grow and attract further investment?
Inflation has squeezed the industry from both sides, through rising costs and more cautious spending by guests. This has forced businesspeople to become smarter and more creative and the focus has now moved towards efficiency, premium offerings and experience-led spending. People may go out less often but, when they do, they want it to be worth it. To support growth, we need less bureaucracy, more investment incentives and stronger public-private collaborations to position Larnaca as a serious destination to attract further investment.
Are you seeing sufficient investment in high-quality entertainment infrastructure?
Not yet. There are strong individual efforts but what’s missing is a unified vision. Larnaca has huge potential, especially in coastal development, but to unlock it we need investment in infrastructure, events and year-round experiences, not just in venues.
How is Larnaca’s hospitality sector affected by seasonality? Is there a strategy in place to begin changing this and to increase its attractiveness to local guests?
Despite noticeable progress, seasonality continues to be a major challenge. Summer drives the business, while winter depends mainly on locals. To address this, we must create year-round demand by offering experiences that justify traveling to another city – not just for dining but for something more engaging and distinctive. This requires us, as business owners, to push beyond the ordinary and deliver more innovative concepts, such as customised corporate events, live performances, wine pairing, etc. Venues that adapt to this reality, though all-day concepts and after-work culture, are already seeing results.
Many cities have invested heavily in the entertainment/hospitality sector. How is Larnaca differentiating itself and what more needs to be done to make the city an attractive culinary destination?
Larnaca’s advantage lies in its authenticity. It doesn’t need to copy other cities; it needs to refine its own identity. A mix of coastal lifestyle, quality dining and relaxed luxury can become its signature. What’s needed now is investment in strong concepts, support for innovation and better storytelling around local gastronomy.
How do you expect the sector to develop in Larnaca over the next 10 years?
Larnaca is at the beginning of a major transformation. Over the next decade, we’ll see more premium venues, stronger concepts and a higher level of overall experience. The city has the foundation to become a top lifestyle destination in Cyprus. The key will be consistency in quality, investment, and vision.
This interview first appeared in the April edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
