Agia Napa and Protaras want to extend the season. More tourists are also expected in autumn and winter.

Agia Napa and Protaras aim to attract tourists throughout most of the year. Tourism industry representatives are in talks to increase the number of flights in March and November 2027. The goal is to extend the season by about two months, but new connections have not yet been confirmed.

This fall, dozens of accommodations in both resorts are scheduled to open until the end of November. However, few hotels will remain open during the winter. Sporting events, festivals, cultural offerings, and tours offering visitors a chance to explore the region beyond the beaches are expected to help change this situation.

Agia Napa and Protaras want to extend the tourist season

The Cypriot-controlled part of Famagusta accounts for approximately 42% of the island's accommodation capacity. Despite this extensive infrastructure, Agia Napa and Protaras typically operate at full capacity for about six months.

Once the main season ends, some hotels, restaurants, and other businesses close for the winter. This limits both the choices for visitors and employment opportunities for locals.

The scale of seasonality is shown by data from October 2025. Although it was a record year for Cypriot tourism, only about 20% of the people visiting the island then made it to the region.

Since the summer of 2024, local governments have been collaborating to promote and develop the offer. Instead of competing for the same guests, they want to work together to convince visitors that the east coast is worth visiting even outside of the summer.

More flights in March and November

An important element of the plans for 2027 is the cooperation of tourist and hotel organizations from the Famagusta and Larnaca regions.

Discussions are underway with airport operator Hermes Airports and major travel agencies to increase the number of flights in March and November, which could encourage hotels to open earlier and close later.

This is currently the focus of negotiations. No specific routes, carriers, or additional frequencies have been announced.

A parallel online promotional campaign targeting international audiences is underway. This autumn and part of the winter will support both bookings for the coming months and sales of stays for the summer of 2027.

Autumn with running, swimming and festivals

The region places particular emphasis on sports tourism. Competitions attract not only participants but also their families, coaches, and fans.

The October calendar includes, among others:

• October 10–11: international Dragon Boat regatta in Agia Napa marina;
• October 11: first Cablenet Famagusta Run in Protaras;
• October 14–18: Agia Napa Medieval Festival;
• October 17–18: SwimRun competition.

The next big event will be OceanMan in Agia Napa, scheduled for November 6–8The Agia Napa Biennial is also scheduled to take place from November 7 to January 7, 2027. The Thalassa Museum is preparing autumn and winter programs for families.

A stay outside of peak season can also provide an opportunity for more leisurely sightseeing. However, it's worth checking availability of a specific tour in advance, as programs and dates may change with the season.

Winter is not just about the beach

In January, Agia Napa is scheduled to host the fourth International Winter Swimmers Festival. The event is scheduled for January 16–19, 2027.

Football training camps and tournaments also remain a regular source of visitors. March will see the Elite Neon Cup and another edition of Run4Autism.

The program is scheduled to run again from November to March. Endless Sun, introducing visitors to the culture, traditions, and towns located inland. This offer is for those who want to experience more than just seaside promenades and hotel surroundings.

Year-round tourism takes time

The president of the regional tourism organization, Giorgos Tofinis, emphasizes that the transition to year-round operations requires time, proper planning and cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Hoteliers also point to the need for government support. More events and more effective promotion can increase interest in the region, but air connections and conditions encouraging businesses to remain open are also necessary.

For tourists, the most important information is practical: an autumn stay in Agia Napa or Protaras still offers many possibilities, but in winter you need to check the availability of accommodation, restaurants and attractions more carefully.

Source: Philenews.