There is increased activity in bookings at leisure and dining venues ahead of Christmas and New Year, according to a statement to the Cyprus News Agency by the President of the Federation of Associations of Owners of Leisure Centres (OSIKA), Neophytos Thrasivoulou.

Mr Thrasivoulou said that there is a wide range of options available in restaurants and leisure centres to suit all budgets, both in mountainous areas and along the coast.

According to the OSIKA President, bookings for December are currently running at around 60% for the festive period, with expectations that this figure will rise. As he noted, Cypriots tend to make decisions at the last minute. So far, visitor traffic at leisure centres during December has ranged between 40% and 50%.

Mr Thrasivoulou also pointed out that the tourism season, which concluded in November, developed positively for the sector, despite lower bookings at the start of the season. From July onwards, however, a new landscape emerged that proved satisfactory for leisure centre owners.

He made special reference to August, noting that more Cypriots chose to remain on the island and visit local leisure centres instead of travelling abroad. At the same time, he said that the presence of tourists—particularly in coastal areas such as the free areas of Famagusta and Paphos—was higher compared to previous years.

Mr Thrasivoulou described this development as encouraging, stressing that it represents the first substantial steps towards extending the tourism season. He expressed hope that this trend will continue, highlighting efforts by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to maintain flight connectivity during the winter period. He also estimated that Cyprus can claim its fair share as a year-round tourism destination.

Finally, referring to challenges facing the sector, Mr Thrasivoulou said these issues will be placed on the agenda in the new year and include, among other matters, the conclusion of collective agreements and the examination of the new legislative framework currently pending before Parliament.