FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – As the tourist season approaches, only 14.5% of hotels in Cyprus have operating licenses, the Commerce Committee revealed during discussions on extending the licensing deadline.
Of 740 hotels nationwide, just 50 are licensed, with pending applications expected to raise the number to 150.
Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, Chairman of the Commerce Committee, opposed further extensions, warning they favor illegal practices and increase safety risks, including fires and drownings.
Phaedonas Phaedonas, Mayor of Pafos, voiced similar objections, arguing that tolerance encourages lawlessness.
He highlighted cases of hoteliers converting parking spaces into gyms and restaurants into rooms, urging swift action to restore compliance.
Hoteliers claimed delays are often due to bureaucratic obstacles, not indifference.
The debate over licensing continues, with a related bill still under review by the committee. This issue remains a pressing challenge as Cyprus prepares for another bustling tourism season.
LATEST TOURISM FIGURES
Latest figures show tourism revenue in Cyprus reached €69.2 million in January 2025, reflecting a significant 53.1% increase compared to €45.2 million in January 2024, according to the Passengers Survey by the Statistical Service.
Expenditure per tourist rose to €617.65 from €513.52 the previous year, marking a 20.3% increase.
Among the top markets, tourists from Israel—comprising 21.1% of January arrivals—spent €176.13 daily.
Visitors from the United Kingdom, representing 16.7% of the market, spent €57.75 daily, while Polish tourists (14.1%) spent €69.97 daily.
The data underscores the growing appeal of Cyprus as a tourist destination and highlights its diverse visitor demographics.