Cypriots are driving summer traffic. Tourists are down 15-20%

Business activity in Cyprus is very good this summer, thanks primarily to the island's residents. According to the Pan-Cypriot Federation of Leisure Centre Owners' Associations (OSIKA), Cypriots are visiting restaurants and establishments more frequently in many regions, while foreign tourist traffic remains around 15-20% lower than a year ago.

The situation is particularly positive in Paphos and the Cypriot-controlled part of Famagusta. OSIKA President Neofytos Thrasyvoulou emphasizes that island residents remain the industry's most important customer group, supporting local businesses not just for a few days during their vacation, but year-round.

The movement in Cyprus is supported mainly by residents

According to OSIKA, the current situation in restaurants and recreational facilities is very satisfactory both in seaside towns and in mountain regions.

For residents, there's no decline in visits. In fact, some regions have seen an increase in visits.

Thrasyvoulou pointed out that this is despite many Cypriots choosing to go on holiday abroad this summer.

There are fewer tourists in the establishments than a year ago

The situation is different in the case of foreign guests.

According to the head of OSIKA, their traffic in premises is currently approximately 15–20% lower than last year.

However, this doesn't mean that the number of tourists visiting the island has decreased by that percentage. The federation's data refers to customers using dining and recreational facilities.

Thrasyvoulou links this situation, among other things, to the international situation and the way some tourists plan their holiday expenses.

Cheap accommodation does not mean a larger budget for restaurants

The President of OSIKA drew attention to the change in the way some visitors travel.

Tourists choosing very cheap accommodations don't necessarily spend their savings on restaurants or entertainment. Many arrive with a pre-determined and limited budget for their entire stay.

As a result, the low price of accommodation does not have to translate into higher expenses at local restaurants.

Poland among the new important markets

In his statement regarding foreign markets, Thrasyvoulou also pointed out Poland as one of the new markets that are becoming more and more present.

At the same time, the structure of other markets has changed. According to an industry representative, Israel no longer accounts for as much traffic as in previous years, and the Russian market has virtually disappeared.

OSIKA, however, is counting on further growth in the number of visitors from France, Germany, and Central Europe. The industry is also pinning its hopes on the efforts of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism aimed at northern European countries.

"They are the ones who have supported us for years"

The president of OSIKA described the island's inhabitants as the basis for the functioning of the local catering and recreational industry.

He emphasized that it is regular customers who allow businesses to operate regardless of fluctuations in tourist traffic.

The importance of the domestic market is particularly evident during periods when foreign visitors reduce their spending or when the structure of tourists coming to the island changes.

At the same time, the industry is counting on extending the season and reducing the difference between the very intense summer and the much weaker winter period.

Source: Cyprus News Agency (KYPE)