Out of 741 tourist units preparing to reopen in Cyprus, only 100 have secured a licence, accounting for just 13.5 per cent of the total.

According to data from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, shared on Monday by Stockwatch, this licensing shortfall is evident across all districts.

Specifically, only 13 of 253 hotels in Famagusta are licensed, 20 out of 184 in Paphos, 26 out of 114 in Limassol, 22 out of 112 in Larnaca, and 19 out of 78 in Nicosia.

Furthermore, an additional 15 to 20 units are still in the process of obtaining licences.

With all hotels aiming to reopen before April 20, 2025—a key date coinciding with Orthodox and Catholic Easter—the urgency to address this issue has intensified.

Meanwhile, a legislative proposal is now under discussion to tackle the widespread problem of unlicensed hotels.

Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis, Disy MP and chairman of the Tourism Committee, is leading efforts to resolve the matter.

Last week, a bill was introduced to extend licensing regulations, aiming to support businesses still navigating the process.

The proposed law, spearheaded by Hadjiyiannis, focuses on temporary operating permits, a strategic measure designed to help hotels comply with regulations while sustaining Cyprus’ tourism sector.

This legislative move is considered essential for reinforcing safety standards, ensuring compliance, and strengthening Cyprus’ position in the global tourism market.