Cyprus hotels filling up fast as Christmas tourism hits record highs

Cyprus is heading into the Christmas season with hotels filling fast and tourist bookings reaching new highs. Officials say the island remains one of Europe’s favorite winter destinations, with occupancy rates already strong and last-minute reservations expected to push them even higher.

Tourism authorities report that German visitors are booking at significantly higher rates than in previous years, while Romania, Sweden, and Austria also show strong interest. Traditional markets such as the United Kingdom, Israel, and Poland remain stable, continuing to provide a steady flow of tourists throughout the year.

Paphos Leads the Pack

Paphos is the top choice for winter visitors, thanks to its mild climate, large number of hotels operating year-round, and easy access via Paphos airport. Tour operators are offering attractive Christmas packages, and the area’s upgraded tourism offerings appeal to a wide range of visitors beyond the summer season.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis highlighted that October marked a milestone: for the first time, tourist arrivals exceeded half a million in a single month. Famagusta also recorded strong hotel occupancy, supported by businesses choosing to remain open through November, boosting reservations for both the shoulder season and the upcoming holidays.

All-Year Tourism and EU Presidency Boosts

Paphos is moving steadily toward becoming an all-year destination, with new attractions, including universities, enhancing the region’s appeal. The island’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026 is also driving expectations, as hotels consider staying open to host conference attendees.

Tourism industry representatives report that October was one of the most successful in recent years, with occupancy in several areas hitting 85%. Forecasts for November and the Christmas season are equally optimistic.

Record-Breaking Arrivals

Official data from the Cyprus Statistical Service show that from January to October 2025, tourist arrivals reached 4,142,534, an 11% increase from the same period in 2024. October alone saw 537,744 arrivals, up 17% from last year.

The UK led the way, accounting for 31.4% of October arrivals (168,792 visitors), followed by Israel at 11.1% (59,508), Germany at 7.8% (41,783), Poland at 6.7% (36,262), Sweden at 3.9% (20,806), and Greece at 3.7% (20,038).

Deputy Minister Koumis celebrated the statistics, calling the January–October period “the best ten months in the history of tourism in our country.” He said the figures highlight a “great leap in tourism” and demonstrate Cyprus’ progress in extending the tourist season, helping transform the island into a year-round destination.

“The October numbers confirm the growth we expected and are a great achievement,” Koumis said, noting that arrivals increased 17% from last year and 34% over a three-year period. He stressed the importance of shoulder months developing a “permanent summer-like dynamic” to give businesses the confidence to stay open longer.

Looking at the ten-month period, Koumis highlighted a total increase of 11% from last year and 40.8% over three years. He credited the growth to improved air connectivity, targeted digital marketing, and incentive programs for special tourism forms and winter travel, underscoring the government’s ongoing focus on sustainable tourism development.

*Read the Greek version here.