Ayia Napa is Cyprus’ largest tourist resort. In 2017, the resort welcomed 700,000 tourists and hosted 5 million overnight stays, accounting for around 30% of Cyprus’ total overnight stays.

Since the 2010s the city has aimed to enhance its tourist offerings. Their goal was to deter unruly groups of young tourists and transform into the “best and most cosmopolitan tourist resort of the Mediterranean“ by 2030. Initiatives include closing problematic establishments since 2013, improving infrastructure, hotels, restaurants and introducing new facilities like a marina and an underwater museum.

The vision aligns with the Cyprus Tourism Strategy of 2017, envisioning Ayia Napa as one of Europe’s top three beach and nightclubbing holiday destinations, offering a superior beach and marine experience in Cyprus for young adults, complemented by international standard beach clubs and nightlife. The strategy aimed to enhance Ayia Napa’s quality rating from 3.4/5 to 4.4/5.

Furthermore, Ayia Napa earned recognition as a Prime City Destination from the Oxford Business Assembly. In 2018, it was honoured with the ‘Flag of Europe’ for investment and innovation attractiveness and the International Certificate of Excellence in Investment and Innovation (ICEII).