**Larnaca Hotel Bookings Decline Amid Regional Uncertainty**
Larnaca, Cyprus – Hotel occupancy in Larnaca experienced a notable decline of 15 percent in July compared to the same month in the previous year, a trend that local hoteliers attribute largely to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Marios Polyviou, chairman of the Larnaca hotel association, expressed concerns about the current state of the tourism market, stating, “There is still uncertainty in the tourist market.”
The drop in bookings has prompted hoteliers to adopt a cautious outlook for August. Despite the challenges, Polyviou highlighted the significance of recent agreements between Larnaca hotels and major tour operators, TUI UK and Jet2. He noted that these partnerships are “particularly important” for the coastal town and could provide a vital boost to the local tourism sector. “This will greatly help the Larnaca market,” he added.
As July concluded, hotel occupancy rates reflected a stark contrast to previous years, with bookings reaching only 75 percent capacity for August thus far, down from 90 percent in 2025. Polyviou remains hopeful that last-minute bookings could enhance these figures as the month progresses.
Israel has traditionally been Larnaca's largest tourism market, and Polyviou reported a resurgence in flights from the country during the latter half of July, with daily flights returning to approximately 25, matching last year’s levels. The United Kingdom follows as Larnaca’s second-largest source of tourists, with Germany, Poland, and Greece also contributing to the visitor numbers.
Looking ahead, Polyviou expressed caution regarding predictions for September and beyond, as the tourism industry remains heavily influenced by developments in the Middle East. However, early indications suggest that bookings for September may not fall below last year’s levels, providing a glimmer of optimism for local hoteliers.
In addition to the decline in hotel occupancy, tourism revenue has also taken a hit, with a reported decrease of 16 percent during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Polyviou noted that the impact of the Middle East conflict could be more severe than reflected in the statistics, particularly considering that January and February of this year saw a 15 percent increase in tourism compared to the same months in 2025.
As the summer season continues, Larnaca's hoteliers remain hopeful that strategic partnerships and potential last-minute bookings will help stabilize the tourism market amidst ongoing regional uncertainties.