Cyprus' key tourism markets in the first half of the year

Cyprus' tourism continues its upward trajectory, breaking record after record, despite significant challenges, primarily due to geopolitical developments in the region.

Although the situation in Israel remains fragile—as does the ceasefire—the neighbouring country continues to be a stable and significant pillar and partner for the tourism industry, remaining the second largest source market.

At the same time, the United Kingdom retains its lead, widening the gap with the other countries, with nearly three times the share of second-place Israel and four times that of third-place Poland.

Performance in June and the first Half

According to data from the Statistical Service, tourist arrivals in June 2025 reached 498,527, compared to 482,261 in June 2024, marking an increase of 3.4%.

For the period January–June 2025, tourist arrivals totaled 1,843,013, compared to 1,652,475 in the corresponding period of 2024, an increase of 11.5%.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom were the main source of tourism in June, accounting for 36.4% (181,610) of total arrivals. Arrivals from Poland were 7.3% (36,616), from Israel 6.1% (30,246), from Germany 5.3% (26,643), from Sweden 4.8% (23,750), and from Romania 3.4% (16,860).

It is noted that the purpose of travel in June was for 81.2% of tourists holidays, 13.2% visiting friends or relatives, and 5.6% business.

In comparison, in June 2024, 83.4% visited Cyprus for holidays, 10.5% to visit friends or relatives, and 5.9% for business purposes.

Main source markets

Analysis of the statistical data shows that the UK remains firmly the primary tourism market, followed by Israel and Poland.

Specifically, based on the data:

• UK tourist arrivals in the first half reached 626,004, compared to 568,811 in the same period last year, an increase of 10.1%.
• Israel came second with 210,220 arrivals compared to 159,683 in January–June 2024, an increase of 31.6%.
• Poland came third, with 158,208 arrivals versus 146,924 in H1 2024, an increase of 7.7%.

Other key markets

• Germany was in fourth place with 114,485 arrivals compared to 101,186 last year, up 13.1%.
• Greece came fifth with 85,225 arrivals compared to 91,469 in H1 2024, showing a 6.8% decrease.
• Sweden ranked sixth with 66,394 arrivals versus 58,186 in January–June 2024, an increase of 14.1%.
• Romania climbed to seventh place with 41,394 arrivals compared to 33,789 last year, up 22.5%.
• France was in eighth place with 31,897 arrivals compared to 39,858 last year, a 24.7% decline.
• Austria came ninth, with 31,825 arrivals in January–June compared to 26,400 last year, up 20.6%.
• The Netherlands rounded out the top ten with 27,204 arrivals, up from 20,871 in the same period last year, a 39.7% increase.

(Source: InBusinessNews)