The number of Cypriots taking overseas trips surged in January, reaching 170,045, a notable 15 per cent increase compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the statistical service Cystat.
- Currently, Cyprus maintains direct air links with over 40 countries, a factor that contributes significantly to its growing popularity as a travel destination.
Popular Destinations for Cypriots
Among those returning from abroad, Greece emerged as the most popular destination, with 27.6 per cent of travellers heading there. The United Kingdom followed closely, accounting for 8.5 per cent, while Poland attracted 5.8 per cent of the returning travellers.
Reasons Behind the Travels
Holidays were the primary motivation for Cypriots’ travels, making up a significant 82.2 per cent of all trips. In addition, 16.3 per cent of travellers engaged in business trips, with a small fraction, 0.7 per cent, citing other reasons for their journeys.
Tourism Growth in Cyprus
January also saw an increase in tourists visiting Cyprus, with 121,625 arrivals, marking an 8.5 per cent rise from the previous year. The vast majority of tourists, 60.7 per cent, visited for holidays, while 22.8 per cent came to see family and friends. Business trips accounted for 16.2 per cent of arrivals.
Top Sources of Tourists
Poland led the way in terms of tourist numbers, with 22,575 Polish visitors making up 18.6 per cent of total arrivals, reflecting a remarkable 43 per cent increase compared to January 2025. Following Poland, tourists from Israel constituted 18.1 per cent of the total, with 21,981 arrivals, although this represented a 7.3 per cent decline from the previous year. The UK contributed 16.3 per cent and Greece provided 14.5 per cent of visitors, showcasing the diverse interest in Cyprus as a travel destination.
Noteworthy Trends in Tourist Arrivals
A striking increase was noted in arrivals from Germany, with an impressive 82.4 per cent rise to 7,504 visitors. Conversely, arrivals from Lebanon saw a steep decline of 25.1 per cent, dropping to just 1,773 compared to 2,367 in January 2025.
Strategic Vision for Cyprus Tourism
In a bid to further enhance tourism, Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis recently approved the Republic’s National Tourism Strategy, which is set to guide development until 2035. Koumis stated, “The goal is to reach 5 million visitors by 2035, but to distribute them differently compared to what is the case today,” indicating a focus on diversifying both regions and periods of visitation.
Currently, Cyprus maintains direct air links with over 40 countries, a factor that contributes significantly to its growing popularity as a travel destination.
