Anna Polyviou
Cyprus welcomed a record-breaking 4.53 million visitors in 2025, marking the most successful year in the island’s tourism history. The surge in arrivals, accompanied by a significant rise in revenue, underscores the sector’s steady upward trajectory and sets optimistic expectations for the years ahead.
According to the Cyprus Statistical Service, tourist arrivals in 2025 rose 12.2% compared with 2024 and 41.6% versus 2022. For the first time, Cyprus exceeded the 4.5 million visitor mark, setting a new historic benchmark. August was the busiest month, with 602,026 arrivals, up 8.5% from the same month in 2024.
Revenue also saw a sharp climb. From January to November 2025, tourist income reached €3.6 billion, up 15.3% from €3.12 billion in the same period in 2024, and more than 51% higher than in 2022. The figures show that the growth in arrivals is translating into real economic benefits.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis described 2025 as “the most successful year in the history of Cypriot tourism, surpassing even the record-breaking 2024 in both arrivals and revenue.” He added that the three-year comparison, showing a 41.6% jump in arrivals and a 51.1% increase in revenue, proves the sector has not just recovered but gained substantial momentum, momentum that Cyprus is determined to sustain.
Key markets driving growth
The United Kingdom remained Cyprus’s top market, accounting for 31.8% of arrivals, up 4.8% from 2024 and 18.8% from 2022. Israel followed with a 13% share, up 38.4% from 2024 and a staggering 112.3% from 2022. Poland claimed third place at 8.2%, while Germany recorded strong growth of 21.7% over 2024, breaking a 28-year record with 277,905 visitors.
“The strong performance across arrivals and revenue reflects the steady upward trajectory of Cyprus as a tourist destination,” Koumis said. “This success is visible in the operation and sustainability of tourism businesses across the island.”
Looking ahead: 2026 and the EU Presidency
With the 2026 Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of the year, the island is preparing to welcome around 30,000 delegates for conferences and meetings. “It’s a challenge we are ready for and a unique opportunity to showcase Cyprus not just as a leisure destination, but as a hub for conferences and professional events across Europe,” Koumis noted.
Sustainable tourism on the horizon
Beyond short-term opportunities, the Ministry of Tourism is focusing on long-term sustainable growth. Plans include upgrading accommodations in mountain and remote areas, creating authentic local experiences, and promoting Cyprus’s wine and food culture as a core differentiator.
“The 2025 results show that Cyprus tourism is entering a more mature phase, with both higher arrivals and revenue,” Koumis said. “2026 offers the chance to strengthen Cyprus’s international profile and build a resilient, sustainable tourism model for the decade ahead.”
