cyprus tourism — cyprus tourism — Cyprus has seen a remarkable increase in summer tourism, with total arrivals exceeding 3 million in 2025. The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) reported that tourist arrivals reached 602,026 in August alone, a notable 8.5 per cent rise from 554,923 in August 2024.
- From January to August 2025, Cyprus welcomed a total of 3,034,155 visitors, reflecting a 10 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, when arrivals were 2,758,627.
- Holidays were the main reason for residents’ trips, comprising 91.6 per cent, while business accounted for 6.7 per cent. Studies made up 1.3 per cent, and other reasons accounted for 0.4 per cent.
- Despite the overall growth, some countries reported declines. Arrivals from France, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland fell by 6.8 per cent, 1.9 per cent, 17.2 per cent, and 14.0 per cent respectively.
Cyprus tourism: Growth in Visitor Numbers
From January to August 2025, Cyprus welcomed a total of 3,034,155 visitors, reflecting a 10 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, when arrivals were 2,758,627.
Top Sources of Tourism
The United Kingdom remained the largest source of tourists, contributing 32.1 per cent of total arrivals with 193,091 visitors in August 2025. Israel followed with 17.5 per cent (105,597), while Poland accounted for 7.0 per cent (41,844). Other notable contributors included Germany (4.6 per cent), Sweden (3.1 per cent), and Romania (3.0 per cent).
Visitor Intentions
Analysis of travel purposes revealed that 86.5 per cent of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays in August 2025. This is a slight decrease from 87.3 per cent in August 2024. Visiting friends and relatives and business trips made up 11.4 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.
Cypriot Residents Travelling Abroad
A total of 238,740 Cypriot residents returned from trips abroad in August 2025, marking a significant 23.9 per cent increase from 192,756 in August 2024. The primary destinations for returning residents included Greece (33.1 per cent), the United Kingdom (6.8 per cent), Russia (5.1 per cent), and Italy (5.0 per cent).
The Purpose of Travel for Residents
Holidays were the main reason for residents’ trips, comprising 91.6 per cent, while business accounted for 6.7 per cent. Studies made up 1.3 per cent, and other reasons accounted for 0.4 per cent.
International Comparisons
Country-by-country comparisons indicated increases in arrivals from Austria (12.4 per cent), Denmark (13.2 per cent), and Germany (19.9 per cent). Notably, Israel saw a significant surge of 42.6 per cent. Lebanon, the Netherlands, and Norway also experienced increases of 1.4 per cent, 13.8 per cent, and 16.4 per cent respectively.
Declines in Some Markets
Despite the overall growth, some countries reported declines. Arrivals from France, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland fell by 6.8 per cent, 1.9 per cent, 17.2 per cent, and 14.0 per cent respectively.
Data Collection Methodology
The data was sourced from the Passengers Survey at Larnaka and Pafos airports, alongside administrative sources detailing monthly arrivals from ports. It covers all individuals passing through passport control in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus, excluding illegal entries via northern ports and airports.
