cyprus arrivals — Winter tourism has significantly boosted Cyprus arrivals, bringing the total number of visitors closer to the 4.5 million mark. In November 2025, tourist arrivals reached 234,580, a remarkable increase from 179,941 in November 2024, marking a 30.4 per cent rise according to the state statistical service, Cystat.
- In contrast, arrivals from Greece dropped by 12.8 per cent, marking it as one of the few markets to experience a decrease.
- For Cypriot residents, holiday travel was the leading reason for going abroad, comprising 65.9 per cent of trips, while business travel constituted 31.5 per cent.
From January to November 2025, Cyprus welcomed a total of 4,377,114 tourists, up from 3,907,137 during the same period in 2024. This reflects a year-on-year increase of 12 per cent, underscoring the resilience of the island’s tourism sector.
Cyprus arrivals: Key Markets Fuel the Surge
The United Kingdom continues to be the primary source of tourism for Cyprus, contributing 22.7 per cent of total arrivals in November, which translates to 53,267 visitors. Poland follows closely, accounting for 13.2 per cent with 30,983 arrivals, while Israel ranks third with 11.4 per cent, bringing in 26,816 visitors.
Germany also played a significant role, contributing 10.4 per cent with 24,361 tourists. Greece, traditionally a strong market, saw a decline, providing only 6 per cent of arrivals, equating to 13,965 visitors.
Remarkable Growth from Diverse Markets
Cystat’s data highlights impressive growth from several markets. Austria saw its arrivals more than double to 6,948, and Romania’s numbers nearly doubled, reaching 5,875. Notably, Poland’s arrivals surged by 52.4 per cent, Germany experienced a 48.3 per cent increase, and Israel recorded a 42.3 per cent rise compared to the previous November.
In contrast, arrivals from Greece dropped by 12.8 per cent, marking it as one of the few markets to experience a decrease.
Holiday Travel Dominates Visitor Intentions
Holiday travel remains the primary motivation for visiting Cyprus, with 72.0 per cent of tourists arriving for leisure activities in November 2025. This is a notable shift from November 2024, when only 64.5 per cent travelled for holidays. The data indicates a growing trend of visitors choosing Cyprus as a year-round destination.
Visiting friends and relatives accounted for 13.1 per cent of arrivals, while business travel made up 14.4 per cent. This marks a change from the previous year, where business travel was slightly more prevalent.
Increased Outbound Travel Among Cypriots
Interestingly, the data also reflects a rise in outbound travel by Cypriot residents. In November 2025, 137,210 residents returned from trips abroad, up from 120,248 the previous year, indicating a 14.1 per cent increase. Greece was the most popular destination, accounting for 30.9 per cent of returns, followed by the UK and Italy.
For Cypriot residents, holiday travel was the leading reason for going abroad, comprising 65.9 per cent of trips, while business travel constituted 31.5 per cent.
Tourism’s Role in Economic Resilience
The steady rise in tourist arrivals through November 2025 further affirms the significance of the tourism sector in supporting Cyprus’s economy. With employment, consumption, and overall economic activity reliant on this industry, the continued influx of visitors is crucial as the year comes to a close. Cystat’s figures, derived from passenger surveys at Larnaca and Paphos airports and administrative data from ports, paint a promising picture for the future of tourism on the island.
