Cypriot demand for Easter travel is holding at moderate but satisfactory levels this year, with bookings slowing in recent weeks as regional developments weigh on sentiment, according to the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents. 

The softer pace comes as Cyprus’ wider travel market is also feeling pressure, with Hermes Airports reporting a 15.3 per cent drop in passenger traffic in March, reflecting the impact of the Middle East crisis on tourism flows. 

Speaking to Philenews, Antonis Orthodoxou, the association’s press spokesman, said the market was not performing badly, although agencies had expected stronger demand before the war in the Middle East affected the pace of bookings.

“We certainly expected more work, however, due to the war, bookings slowed down,” he said, adding that booking numbers were not lower than last year. 

Greece remains by far the main choice for Cypriot travellers, accounting for around 90 per cent of bookings, Orthodoxou said.  

Paris, particularly Disneyland are also attracting interest, while London remains among the preferred destinations, partly because many Cypriot students are studying in Britain. 

Among the less usual destinations this year are Georgia and Armenia, which Orthodoxou said were drawing some interest, although visitor numbers remain small. 

On prices, he said package costs were moving at roughly the same levels as last year, with only a negligible increase. Packages start from 399 euros, with prices rising depending on hotel choice. 

He added that the offers cover departures from Holy Thursday through to Easter Tuesday, while some travellers are also set to leave on Good Friday. 

At the same time, Orthodoxos made clear there was no demand for destinations directly involved in the regional crisis. 

He also invited the public to attend the Travel Expo Cyprus tourism exhibition, due to take place on April 18 to 19.