The outlook for tourism in Larnaca in 2026 looks more than encouraging. This was stated by the president of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nakis Antoniou, who emphasized that the city is confidently entering a phase of sustainable tourism growth. According to him, the positive momentum is already noticeable and has every chance of strengthening in the coming years.
One of the key factors that will help attract tourists is Larnaca being awarded the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. This status, business representatives note, is already generating interest in the city from travelers, investors, and international cultural organizations.
Boutique hotels and a new model of urban tourism
As a serious indicator of growth, Antoniou cited about 20 applications submitted to build small hotel properties within the city. These are boutique hotels that will appear both in renovated historic buildings and in new tourist facilities.
This accommodation model, he said, compares favorably with classic large hotels. Boutique-hotel guests more often venture beyond their place of stay, visiting restaurants, cafes, shops, and Larnaca’s authentic neighborhoods, which directly supports the local economy and creates a vibrant urban environment. Investors, the chamber head stressed, are not acting blindly and have already recognized the city’s significant tourism potential.
An additional stimulus for development has been a long-standing problem that has finally been resolved: the removal of oil storage tanks from Larnaca’s coastal zone. Clearing the seafront has given the city new opportunities for high-quality development and an improved resort image.
Marina and port: a key issue for the city’s economy
Special attention is also being paid to the future development of the port and marina of Larnaca. According to Antoniou, a meeting with the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Public Works is scheduled for the end of January, at which the business community expects updated information on the pilot study for the development of the port and marina.
The study is being carried out by the Greek State Investment Fund, with which the Cypriot government signed an agreement in May last year. In parallel, a legal opinion from the Attorney General’s Office is expected following a request by businessman Panos Alexandrou, CEO of Prosperity Group CY Ltd, regarding the possibility of taking over the development of the port and marina under the existing contract of the Kition Ocean Holdings consortium. The company owns 20% of the consortium and about a year ago submitted an official proposal to the relevant ministry.
Infrastructure as a driver of tourist flows
Among the positive factors, Dr. Antoniou also highlighted the completion within the year of the third phase of the Larnaca–Dhekelia coastal road. This project, he said, will significantly improve the area’s transport accessibility, make travel easier for both local residents and foreign tourists, and provide an additional stimulus for new investment and growth in tourist flows.
Confidence in Larnaca’s future
In conclusion, the president of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed that the city is entering a new stage of development, with growing interest from tourists and strong demand for investment. The combination of cultural, infrastructure, and urban-planning changes is creating a solid foundation for Larnaca in 2026 to cement its status as one of Cyprus’s most promising tourist destinations.