Tourist arrivals in Cyprus soar by 22.7% in June 2023

Cyprus recorded a significant boost in its tourism sector as tourist arrivals surged by 22.7% in June 2023, compared to the same month last year.

According to the latest data released by CySTAT, a total of 456,985 visitors visited the island during June, compared to 372,324 in June 2022.

From January to June 2023, the total number of tourist arrivals reached 1,613,690, reflecting a remarkable increase of 32.1% when compared to the corresponding period in 2022, when 1,221,382 arrivals were recorded.

The United Kingdom, continued to be the main source of tourism in June 2023 accounting for 34.8% (159,061) of total arrivals in June 2023, followed by Israel, representing 10.2% (46,402) of visitors, Poland with 6.6% (30,293), Sweden with 5.0% (22,724), and Greece with 4.5% (20,722).

The majority of tourists, comprising 81.7% of the total, visited Cyprus for holiday purposes in June 2023. Meanwhile, 12.6% visited friends and relatives, and 5.5% arrived for business-related reasons. Comparatively, in June 2022, 82.0% of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays, 10.9% visited friends or relatives, and 7.0% came for business purposes.

Returns of Cyprus residents increase by 14.4% in June 2023

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At the same time Cyprus recorded a significant rise in the number of residents returning from trips abroad.

According to the latest data released by Statistical Service, a total of 138,588 residents of Cyprus returned from overseas travels in June 2023, compared to 121,146 in the corresponding month of the previous year, marking an increase of 14.4%.

Among the main countries from which residents of Cyprus returned, Greece held the largest share, accounting for 30.8% (42,662) of the total returns in June 2023. The United Kingdom followed with 11.2% (15,493) of the returnees, while Italy accounted for 7.1% (9,776), and France constituted 4.2% (5,776).

The purpose of travel for residents of Cyprus in June 2023, was for the majority of 61.9% for holiday purposes. Business-related travel accounted for 26.0% of the returns, while 9.8% of residents travelled for studies, and 2.3% had other reasons for their trips.

(Source: CNA)