Dorita Yiannakou
The main source of tourism for Cyprus is weakening this year. British travelers, who make up the country’s largest tourism market, are showing hesitation and caution because of geopolitical instability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This is reflected in lower bookings for the summer season and in the fact that the United Kingdom has not updated its travel advisory for Cyprus.
More specifically, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not revised its travel advice since March 5. The UK is following a policy of strategic caution. On one hand, it does not want to create panic in Cyprus’s tourism sector. On the other, it does not want to downplay risks, especially given Cyprus’s connection to the British military base in Akrotiri, where a drone strike took place on March 2.
The British government states that since the possibility of terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot currently be ruled out, British tourists should remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities, especially those connected to the British bases. As a result, the advisory remains in place and reflects the ongoing instability in the region.
Based on current conditions, the UK position shows a careful balance. Cyprus is still considered a safe destination, but it is close enough to regional tensions for London to maintain a higher level of caution in its official guidance. Most British travelers are expected to continue choosing Cyprus, though the market remains sensitive to geopolitical developments. Any escalation in the region could directly affect last-minute bookings.
The trend
Another important development is the growing preference among British travelers to move away from all-inclusive holidays this summer. Instead, they are choosing more authentic and experience-driven trips, according to ABTA, the association of British travel agents.
According to ABTA, two out of five Britons plan to vacation this year in a country they have never visited before. At the same time, the war in the Middle East is pushing more travelers toward European destinations. Some are also canceling travel plans entirely due to warnings about possible aviation fuel shortages and the rising cost of living.
According to the BBC, alternative destinations are gaining popularity this summer. Places such as Montenegro, the Baltic coasts, Albania, and northern Spain are becoming more attractive to British tourists. These locations offer similar features to Cyprus but at lower prices. As a result, they are expected to take a share of tourism demand away from Cyprus.
Meanwhile, companies such as TUI, Jet2holidays, and other major tour operators continue to offer packages for summer 2026, maintaining flights and programs to Larnaca and Paphos. At the same time, major travel organizations report that some demand is shifting toward more cautious or last-minute bookings. Some British travelers are choosing western Mediterranean destinations because of concerns about the Eastern Mediterranean.
Countries that improved their advisories
From March 4, 2026, until today, nine countries have improved their travel advisories for Cyprus. These include Bulgaria, France, Denmark, Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, and Sweden.
For example, France removed its recommendation that citizens avoid areas near the British bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia except when necessary. Sweden removed references to disruptions in air traffic at Larnaca and Paphos airports.
The Netherlands replaced the phrase “significant security risks” with “specific risks,” which reduces the impression of general danger across the country. Poland added that the overall situation in Cyprus is stable and removed references suggesting that developments in the Middle East could pose a threat to Cyprus. Bulgaria lowered its advisory level from Level 3, which advises against nonessential travel, to Level 2, which recommends caution. Poland also made a clear distinction between the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied areas and regions near British bases, placing Cyprus at Level 1, which calls for normal caution.
Italy revised its language about possible changes to airspace and flights by removing stronger references to regional instability. It also removed its recommendation to avoid areas near British bases. Denmark removed a section that linked Cyprus to an attack on a British airbase and possible effects on air traffic.
Koumis: Tourism has not stopped
Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said that although some countries still advise increased or partial caution, these advisories do not prevent people from visiting Cyprus. British tourists are still traveling to the country, and these advisories are mostly precautionary in nature.
He added that it is encouraging that several European countries have revised their travel advice. Government efforts through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to achieve further revisions are continuing. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism is also increasing its promotional efforts in foreign markets to limit the negative impact of the geopolitical situation.
He also pointed to challenges in the aviation sector. Several airlines have reduced their flight schedules. One major global airline cut its routes to about 100. A European airline grounded 27 aircraft, and a low-cost carrier is shutting down its base in Germany.
The hotel sector
Cyprus tourism is seeing a 60 percent drop in bookings for the summer season compared to last year, reflecting the impact of the war in Iran. Last week, hotel owners met with Labor Minister Yiannis Moussiouttas to discuss extending support measures for May and June.
Hotel representatives stressed that Cyprus cannot compete on price with destinations such as Turkey and Egypt, according to Christos Angelides, Director General of the association. He said that sharply lowering hotel prices is not a viable solution because it would reduce service quality and damage the country’s image. This could lead to negative reviews and affect future tourism seasons.
For this reason, they are asking for an extension of support programs for May and June so businesses can hire staff and operate with greater stability. They also stress the need for stronger promotion and financial support, including at the European level.
The government has not yet given a final answer but is considering extending the support plan. In the coming period, President Nikos Christodoulides is expected to meet with representatives of the hotel industry.
The data
According to the Statistical Service, arrivals from the United Kingdom were the largest source of tourism in March 2026, accounting for 32.9 percent or 45,763 arrivals. Poland followed with 12.6 percent or 17,604 arrivals, Germany with 10.8 percent or 14,999, and Greece with 6.5 percent or 9,009.
For 2025 overall, the United Kingdom remained the main source of tourism, with 1,440,003 arrivals compared to 1,373,634 in 2024, an increase of 4.8 percent.
Israel ranked second, with arrivals reaching 588,833 compared to 425,606 in 2024, marking an increase of 38.4 percent.
