Cyprus experienced its best-ever tourism year in 2025, welcoming over 4.53 million visitors, marking a 12.2% increase from the previous year. Tourism revenues hit a record high of 3.69 billion euros. While the largest number of tourists still originate from the United Kingdom, markets such as Israel, Poland, Germany, Greece, and the Balkans, including Serbia, have shown significant growth.

Around 80% of visitors come for leisure, but corporate tourism, including conferences and team-building programs, is on the rise. In the first months of 2026, geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region tested Cyprus, causing a temporary slowdown in tourism growth. However, airports and infrastructure continued to function normally.

The combination of developed infrastructure, safety, good air connectivity, and a Mediterranean lifestyle positions Cyprus as a destination that successfully blends leisure and business travel. Despite geopolitical challenges, Cyprus remains a secure European destination with fully operational infrastructure and regular air traffic. Initial indicators from May suggest a gradual recovery in bookings, particularly from the UK, Poland, and Central Europe.

Geopolitical Challenges Test the Island

In the first months of 2026, Cyprus continued the positive trend from 2025, but geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly from March, affected the tourism market. According to tourism and hotel associations, arrivals and bookings in March and April declined by around 30% from expectations, largely due to the psychological effect of regional instability and media reports of conflicts in the Middle East.

Despite this, Cyprus remains a secure European destination with fully functional infrastructure and regular air traffic. Airports in Larnaca and Paphos continued to operate normally even during heightened tensions, and international tour operators maintained planned programs and arrangements on the island. Initial indicators from May suggest a gradual recovery in bookings, particularly from the UK, Poland, and Central Europe.

Mediterranean Standard

While many experience Cyprus as a luxurious Mediterranean destination, the island continues to maintain a good balance between affordability and luxury, making it a popular choice for Serbian tourists planning their summer vacations.