The number of registered short-term rental properties in Cyprus is growing rapidly. Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis reported that in April 2025, the number reached 8,248, compared to 4,765 two years ago.
2024 was a record year for Cyprus, both in terms of revenue and the number of tourists. Kostas Koumis is confident that 2025 will be no less successful. Currently, 1,275 applications for registration are under consideration, with another 1,170 delayed due to errors by applicants. Once these are processed, the total number of registered properties will continue to grow.
As Vavlitis noted, it took the hotel industry 50 years to reach 90,000 licensed hotel properties. The short-term rental sector has achieved this in less than a decade. Today, 8,248 properties offer 36,640 beds. However, only about 30% of all short-term rental properties remain officially registered, while the total number of beds is estimated at 80,000-90,000.
Regulation of short-term rentals
Kumis stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to regulating short-term rentals. The proposed amendment to the law is under consideration by the legal service.
Different areas of Cyprus, such as Nicosia and the coastal regions, require individual approaches to regulation. Short-term rentals play an important role in the economy, but create competition for hotels. “The quality of the tourist experience depends on the level of hospitality and services provided , ” Koumis emphasized, noting the importance of maintaining high standards.
Kumis expressed confidence in the sector’s continued growth in 2025. After recovering from the loss of the Russian market, revenues and tourist numbers grew by 25% in 2024. The main challenge now is to extend the tourist season. Maintaining growth beyond the usual peak months will be critical to the sector’s continued success.
