Travel agents warn of lower bookings and flight reductions

Cyprus is facing a challenging tourism season as the conflict with Iran has eroded the island’s safety image abroad, according to Charis Papacharalambous, president of the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA).

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Papacharalambous said that the main problem facing Cyprus as a tourist destination is the negative perception of safety overseas, which is being reinforced by travel advisories issued by various countries.

He explained that developments related to the war will be decisive for the course of tourism in Cyprus, while travel agents are also awaiting further government measures to address the crisis.

He added that “current support measures are focused on airlines and hotels”, while other sectors of the economy affected by the crisis have not been included, with agents expecting broader government support across the economy.

Moreover, Papacharalambous said that “a slight improvement in new booking trends has not been enough to restore the situation to the desired trajectory“, with cancellations continuing at notable levels.

He pointed out that despite bookings having improved compared to the first 10 to 15 days after the war began, the current pace is not sufficient to resolve the problem, pointing to significantly lower booking volumes for March, April, May and likely the summer period.

He warned that, based on current data, “the tourism season is expected to be difficult, despite ongoing efforts by industry stakeholders”.

Papacharalambous further indicated that airlines are likely to adjust their schedules, leading to changes in flight programmes in response to reduced demand.

“Aircraft cannot continue operating back and forth with low occupancy,” he said, explaining his expectation of reduced flight frequencies.

“We as travel agents take actions daily, such as travelling abroad, holding meetings with tourism industry stakeholders and tour operators, and communicating that Cyprus is a safe and attractive destination through media and social networks,” he stated.

“We are also offering trips to Cyprus to travel agents and tour organisers from abroad so they can see first-hand that Cyprus is a safe destination,” he added.

He explained that these initiatives are undertaken individually by companies, with each covering its own costs on a daily basis.

Papacharalambous stressed that Cyprus’ status as an island means that access is limited to ports and airports, making the tourism sector heavily dependent on intermediaries.

He pointed out that around three quarters of Cyprus tourism comes from tour operators and, by extension, through travel agencies.

Responding to questions about costs, he clarified that there have been no notable increases in travel costs linked to airlines and that this is not currently the main issue.

“Any increases would affect all destinations in the same way,” he said.

Furthermore, the ACTTA president stated that “the core issue remains Cyprus’ image abroad, particularly regarding safety perceptions, which continue to be negatively influenced by travel advisories issued by foreign governments”.

He concluded by saying that “Cyprus is currently not placed in the most favourable category in terms of how it is perceived internationally“.