Cyprus recorded its best-ever tourism year in 2025, welcoming over 4.53 million visitors, a 12.2% increase from the previous year. Tourism revenue hit a record 3.69 billion euros. The largest number of visitors continues to come from the UK, but Israel, Poland, Germany, Greece, and the Balkans, including Serbia, are showing significant growth.

Around 80% of visitors come for leisure, but corporate tourism, including conferences and team-building programs, is also gaining interest. Despite geopolitical tensions in the eastern Mediterranean affecting March and April reservations, Cyprus remains a secure European destination with fully functional infrastructure and regular air traffic.

Geopolitical Challenges Test the Island

In the first months of 2026, the positive trend from the record-breaking previous year continued, but geopolitical tensions in the eastern Mediterranean region starting in March impacted the tourism market. According to data from tourism and hotel associations, arrivals and reservations in March and April dropped by about 30%, mainly due to the psychological effects of regional instability and media reports on conflicts in the Middle East.

Despite this, Cyprus remains a secure European destination with fully operational infrastructure and regular air traffic. Larnaca and Paphos airports continued to operate normally even during heightened tension periods, and international tour operators maintained their planned programs and arrangements on the island. Early May indicators show a gradual recovery in reservations, particularly from the UK, Poland, and Central Europe.

Mediterranean Standard

Although many experience Cyprus as a luxurious Mediterranean destination, the island continues to maintain a good balance of affordability for tourists from diverse backgrounds.