At a time when the short-term rental sector in Cyprus is entering a phase of adjustment, the Short Stay Cyprus Conference 2026 aims to serve as a key reference point for industry professionals seeking clarity and preparation. The online conference will take place on Monday, May 18, from 13:00 to 16:00 (EET), via Zoom, with free attendance.
The timing is no coincidence. The Cypriot market is preparing to adapt to the new European regulatory framework for short-term rentals, which comes into force on May 20, while also being affected by broader geopolitical developments shaping demand in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this environment, issues such as regulatory interpretation, tax compliance, and operational efficiency are becoming increasingly critical.
Regulations and VAT in focus
The conference will open with a discussion on both Cypriot and European legislation for short-term rentals, featuring Elena Adamou from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Konstantinos Karakontis, President of the Cyprus Short Term Rental Association (C.S.R.A), and Vasilis Argyarakis, President of Stama Greece. The session will be moderated by Vicky Trifona, Editor-in-Chief of the Short Stay Conference and BnBNews.gr.
A dedicated session on VAT will follow—one of the most complex and pressing issues for the market. Martha Argyrou from the Tax Department will outline what professionals need to know, in discussion with Konstantinos Karakontis, who will bring the market perspective into the conversation.
Technology, platforms and growth strategy
The role of technology will also be central, with Alexandros Karavitis (Hosthub) presenting the evolution of artificial intelligence in the short-term rental sector—from early tools to the applications already shaping the industry’s future.
Leading international platforms will then present their strategies for 2026. Alberto Modaffari from Airbnb, Manos Meletakos and Theofanis Timiadis from Vrbo, as well as Villy Kypraiou and Dimitrios Masouris from Booking.com, will analyze market trends, tools available to hosts, and the outlook for the upcoming season.
The program also includes sessions focused on guest experience and the use of new technology tools. Stelios Christakis (Tourmie) will explain how to design a competitive guest journey, while solutions from companies such as Hostbuddy AI and StayCom will be presented, aiming to optimize property operations.
A practical guide for the “next day”
Rather than offering general discussions, the Short Stay Cyprus Conference 2026 has a clear practical focus, aiming to provide concrete answers to the day-to-day challenges faced by property managers and industry professionals. From compliance with the new framework to revenue optimization through technology and platforms, the conference is designed as a guide to navigating and growing within an increasingly complex landscape.
Participation is free, however the number of attendees is limited.
Property managers operating in Cyprus can secure their spot and receive the Zoom link by completing their free registration via the official Short Stay Cyprus Conference website.
