Authorities are closely monitoring developments in the tourism sector and remain cautiously optimistic despite recent disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday.

Responding to question from the Cyprus Mail about falling bookings and potential economic risks ahead of the summer season, Letymbiotis said the situation is already showing signs of improvement.

“We are seeing that flight schedules from all airlines are returning to normal, and in fact have already largely resumed full operation,” he said.

“Just yesterday, new flights were announced by additional airlines operating to and from Cyprus.”

He added that the government has held meetings with stakeholders in the hotel industry and last week announced a support plan for April aimed at stabilising the sector.

“At this stage, there is an almost daily assessment being carried out, both by the government and by hoteliers themselves, regarding how the situation is evolving,” he said.

Letymbiotis said conditions are steadily improving, attributing this to the restoration of flight schedules and a return to normality in daily life on the island.

“We are monitoring developments continuously and remain hopeful. This is a shared objective between the government and the relevant stakeholders – to achieve a successful tourism season,” he said.

He stressed that Cyprus continues to project an image of stability abroad.

“All efforts are being made to send the message internationally that normality prevails in our country,” he said. “We are in a period of full preparation to welcome visitors from all over the world.”

At the same time, he confirmed that the government remains in close coordination with relevant authorities regarding regional developments, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

“On a daily basis, and based on these assessments, various scenarios are being prepared,” he said.

His outlook was echoed by head of the Hoteliers Association PASYXE, Thanos Michaelides who told CyBC that the situation for May looks better. The rate of cancellations is decreasing while bookings are on the rise, he said.

However, bookings for March and April were down by 42 per cent.

Regarding Easter bookings, Michaelides said that hotel occupancy is at a very low level compared to what is expected.