With bookings for the first half of the year confirming an upward trend, Paphos is solidifying its position as a favoured destination for several European countries, which until a few years ago had a negligible connection with the region.
Countries such as Poland, Hungary, Austria, and southern nations like France and Italy are increasingly becoming pivotal players in Paphos’s tourism landscape, offering a steady stream of visitors throughout the year, in contrast to most other destinations that rely primarily on summer tourism.
The situation is currently considered more improved than previously estimated by tourism stakeholders, as the Israeli market has now opened up to Paphos.
For several weeks, Paphos Airport has been receiving almost daily flights from three Israeli airlines – EL-AL, TUS, and Israir – resuming the significant flow of visitors that had been interrupted due the war in the neighbouring country.
Ryanair’s extensive flight programme also plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors from Central Europe. The low-cost giant connects Paphos with dozens of airports in these countries year-round, solidifying these nations as a significant contributor to the year-round tourist flow.
Tourism stakeholders in Paphos highlight that advance bookings and visits to specialised tourist distribution sites indicate that 2024 will further boost the destination’s popularity in these markets.
Indicatively, arrivals from the Polish market alone have increased from 80,000 in 2019 to 120,000 last year, and even higher numbers are expected this year.
During the winter period of 2022-2023, Ryanair operated at least 12 flights per week from five Polish airports, and an enhanced flight schedule has been announced for this summer, with over 14 flights per week from six Polish airports
(in cyprus)
