cyprus tourism — cyprus tourism — Cyprus’ tourism sector has returned to a stable trajectory, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis, despite a slight decline in tourist arrivals for June 2026. The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) reported that 489,965 tourists visited the island in June, down 1.7% from 498,527 in June 2025.
Looking at the first half of the year, total tourist arrivals stood at 1,656,015, which is 10.1% lower than the 1,843,013 recorded during the same period in 2025. However, Koumis described the June figures as “satisfactory under the circumstances,” indicating that the tourism industry is recovering from earlier challenges.
Koumis noted that the decline in June arrivals is reflective of the weaker performances noted in March and April, months that were significantly impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. He stated, “It also confirms that the actions taken by the deputy ministry, together with the entire tourism industry, to manage the extraordinary situation our country’s tourism sector faced from March 1 onwards have clearly produced improved results.”
While the first-half figures show a year-on-year decline, they also indicate a 0.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. “If we take into account the very significant losses recorded during March and April, which heavily influence any analysis, the first-half performance should also be considered satisfactory,” he added.
Koumis expressed optimism for the remainder of the year, suggesting a potential further reduction in the overall decline. He emphasised that the government is focused not just on the numbers but also on understanding the nuances of the tourism market. “A thorough analysis shows that a number of geographical markets have been affected and still require careful support to ensure their successful and uninterrupted development in the coming years,” he remarked.
The statistical data revealed that the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest tourism market, accounting for 33.0% of arrivals in June, with 161,913 visitors. This strong representation highlights the importance of UK tourists to the Cypriot economy.
Looking ahead, Koumis affirmed the government’s commitment to strategic planning in collaboration with the tourism industry, particularly with an eye on next year. “We are continuing to work hard on planning for the coming years, with next year naturally at the centre of our efforts, in cooperation with the country’s tourism industry,” he stated.
Ultimately, Koumis reiterated the goal of transforming Cyprus into a sustainable, digitally smart, and accessible destination for all, underscoring a collective effort to enhance the tourism experience.
