Cyprus hotels ready to welcome Cypriots after lockdown

Cyprus hoteliers welcome the government’s decision to ease the lockdown next Monday by allowing Cypriots to book hotel stays on the island with their COVID pass.

Cyprus Hotel Association Director-General, Philokypros Roussounides, said the introduction of the so-called Coronapass for Cypriots who choose to spend their vacation in local hotels is a positive development. He said it creates a secure environment in which the hotel industry can operate again. The Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (Stek) also said they are pleased that from 10 May, Cypriots will be allowed to stay in hotels.

In statements to CNA, Roussounides expressed optimism the tourism industry, a major pillar of the economy, will open for business again. Hotels suggested some weeks ago the opening of hotels for Cypriots with a green pass, as has been the case in France for domestic tourism.

Roussounides said few bookings are due to the restrictive measures and the lockdown, and the epidemiological situation.

“We hope that during the next weeks’ bookings will significantly increase as the epidemiological situation improves and vaccinations will continue, and by the beginning of July, we will be able to host a significant number of foreign tourists.”

Roussounides said they expect bookings from the traditional markets such as the UK, Russia and Israel, and the Scandinavian countries.