Cyprus residents spent a total of €2.37 billion on domestic and outbound travel in 2024, according to figures released by the Cyprus Statistical Service on Friday.
- Cyprus residents spent a total of €2.37 billion on domestic and outbound travel in 2024, according to figures released by the Cyprus Statistical Service on Friday.
The number of residents making at least one trip involving an overnight stay reached 543,526, marking a notable 9.1 per cent increase compared to 498,026 in 2023. This surge indicates a growing enthusiasm for travel among the populace.
Domestic Travel Trends
Within the domestic travel sector, trips increased by 3.5 per cent, totalling 1.62 million in 2024. Impressively, 98.5 per cent of these trips were undertaken for personal reasons, suggesting that leisure travel remains a primary driver for residents.
Accommodation choices reflected a preference for rented options, which accounted for 51.2 per cent of stays. The remaining 48.8 per cent opted for non-rented accommodation, highlighting a diverse range of lodging preferences.
Outbound Travel Growth
In terms of outbound travel, Cypriots took a total of 1.75 million trips, an increase of 4.3 per cent from the previous year. Personal travel dominated this category as well, making up 86.4 per cent of journeys, while business trips constituted 13.6 per cent.
When travelling abroad, residents showed a strong inclination towards rented accommodation, which was utilised in 72.7 per cent of cases. This trend underscores a consistent preference for familiar comforts even while exploring new destinations.
Changing Travel Patterns
Interestingly, travel patterns revealed a shift; residents engaging solely in domestic trips rose by 5.2 per cent to 164,590. Conversely, those travelling exclusively abroad saw a decline of 6.6 per cent, dropping to 169,525. However, a significant rise was noted in those participating in both domestic and outbound trips, which jumped by 30.8 per cent, reaching 209,411.
Expenditure Insights
Delving into financial aspects, domestic travel expenditure reached €300.1 million, reflecting a 2.5 per cent increase from 2023. Notably, accommodation costs comprised the largest share at 37.4 per cent, with food and drinks in cafes and restaurants following closely at 35.8 per cent. Transportation accounted for 9.2 per cent, while other expenses, including supermarket purchases and cultural activities, made up 17.6 per cent.
In contrast, spending on outbound travel escalated to €2.07 billion, marking a 6.7 per cent increase. Transport costs represented the largest portion of this expenditure at 34.8 per cent, with food and drinks at 24.2 per cent, accommodation at 23.6 per cent, and other items at 17.4 per cent.
Understanding the Data
The Cyprus Statistical Service clarified that the survey reflects the number of trips rather than individuals, meaning a single resident may account for several journeys throughout the year. This nuance is crucial for interpreting the data accurately.
