Famagusta hoteliers looking forward to better summer

Although still reeling from the impact of the war in Ukraine, hoteliers in Famagusta are predicting a better July than June, president of their association Doros Takkas said on Wednesday.

But he said bookings were nothing like they have been in the past when occupancy levels could reach 90 per cent, while for June they are expected to close at around 60 to 65 per cent.

Bookings for July – “the heart of summer” – he said, are satisfactory although because many are made online they tend to be made at the last minute. Those for August also look promising, Takkas added.

“After the war in Ukraine and the loss of markets from Russia and Ukraine, tourists arriving in Famagusta district are from Britain, the Nordic countries and the rest of the countries of Central Europe,” he said.

“However, efforts are constantly being made to attract more tourists from France, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and other countries,” he added.

With the subsidised programme for locals continuing until July 31, more Cypriots are expected particularly at the weekends, he added. He said the scheme helps both hoteliers and other tourism businesses in the region.