tourist arrivals — Tourist arrivals to Cyprus surged in February 2026, reaching a total of 146,516 visitors, a notable rise of 9.5 per cent compared to the same month in 2025, according to data from the state statistical service (Cystat).
- For the first two months of the year, arrivals have reached 268,141, reflecting a 9.1 per cent increase over the 245,860 recorded in January and February of the previous year.
For the first two months of the year, arrivals have reached 268,141, reflecting a 9.1 per cent increase over the 245,860 recorded in January and February of the previous year.
Tourist arrivals: Top Sources of Tourism
The United Kingdom continues to be the largest source of visitors, contributing 19.3 per cent of total arrivals with 28,217 tourists. Poland has also made a significant impact, ranking second with 27,003 arrivals, accounting for 18.4 per cent of the total. Other notable contributors include Israel with 18,530 visitors (12.6 per cent), Greece with 13,604 (9.3 per cent), and Germany, which sent 9,723 tourists (6.6 per cent).
Significant Growth from Emerging Markets
Among the various markets, Hungary demonstrated remarkable growth, with arrivals more than doubling to 1,350, a staggering increase of 104.9 per cent compared to February 2025. There were also substantial increases from France, where arrivals climbed to 2,851, up 58.7 per cent, and from Romania, which saw 3,658 visitors, marking a 50.9 per cent rise. Austria also reported a growth of 45.5 per cent, with 2,848 arrivals. Poland’s numbers rose by 33.9 per cent, while Germany’s arrivals increased by 20.1 per cent.
Declines from Some Markets
Conversely, some markets experienced declines. Arrivals from the United Kingdom fell by 14.8 per cent, dropping from 33,115 to 28,217. Israel saw a slight decline of 3.5 per cent to 18,530 visitors. The Netherlands and Sweden also reported decreases, with arrivals down by 16.4 per cent to 1,872 and by 18.1 per cent to 1,219, respectively. However, Lebanon showed a modest increase of 3.6 per cent, bringing its total to 1,988.
Reasons for Visiting
Holidays remain the primary motivation for travel to Cyprus, with 61.5 per cent of visitors citing leisure as their reason for the trip. This is a slight increase from 60.3 per cent in February 2025. Visits to friends and relatives accounted for 21.6 per cent, while business travel made up 16.7 per cent, a decrease from 19.1 per cent the previous year.
Increased Returns of Cyprus Residents
In February 2026, the number of Cyprus residents returning from abroad also saw growth, with 152,198 individuals returning compared to 124,232 in February 2025, marking a 22.5 per cent increase. Greece was the most common destination, accounting for 30.8 per cent of returns, with 46,902 residents coming back from there. The United Kingdom followed with 12,349 returns (8.1 per cent), while Italy and Poland contributed 6,382 and 6,287 returns, respectively.
Travel Trends for Residents
For residents travelling abroad, holidays were again the dominant reason, making up 78.7 per cent of trips. Business travel accounted for 19.2 per cent, with a small fraction travelling for studies (1.5 per cent) or other reasons (0.6 per cent).
