Cyprus, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Norway, Latvia, Spain, Malta, Iceland and US Lead Dynamic Tourism Revival Fueling Extraordinary Growth and Unmatched Travel Opportunities

Monday, May 19, 2025

At the start of 2025, Cyprus, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Norway, Latvia, Spain, Malta, Iceland, and the US have collectively sparked an extraordinary tourism boom across Europe and beyond. This surge is driven by a combination of factors including improved travel connectivity, strong traveler confidence, and a growing demand for value-rich experiences outside traditional peak seasons. Despite ongoing global uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, these countries have successfully attracted record numbers of visitors, fueling economic growth and reshaping their travel landscapes with lasting positive impact.

At the onset of 2025, Cyprus has positioned itself as one of the leading destinations within European tourism, registering an impressive increase of fifteen point four percent in international visitor arrivals compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This robust growth mirrors a wider upswing across Southern and Mediterranean Europe, where mild climates and a growing appetite for off-season travel are attracting tourists despite ongoing global uncertainties.

Data recently released by the European Travel Commission (ETC) reveals that European tourism maintained strong momentum throughout the first quarter of 2025. This positive trajectory follows a landmark achievement in 2024, when inbound arrivals across Europe returned fully to the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel.

During the initial months of 2025, Europe witnessed a near five percent increase in international arrivals year-on-year, coupled with a rise in overnight stays by just over two percent. These encouraging figures emerged even as the sector grappled with persistent challenges including geopolitical tensions and the implementation of new tariffs by the United States.

Tourism demand across the continent demonstrated remarkable resilience. Notably, there is a clear shift in traveler preferences toward destinations that offer superior value and experiences outside the traditional peak periods. Winter travel proved especially lucrative, with countries like Slovakia and Norway posting notable year-over-year gains. Slovakia experienced a fourteen point three percent uplift in arrivals, while Norway’s visitor numbers climbed by thirteen point two percent, accompanied by a significant fifteen point three percent increase in overnight stays.

The Central and Eastern European region continued to see strong recovery, led by Latvia, which achieved a staggering twenty-seven point eight percent surge in arrivals. This growth was driven by rising traveler confidence and improvements in air connectivity, making the region more accessible to international visitors.

Meanwhile, Mediterranean countries also enjoyed strong performance throughout the winter months, attracting tourists in search of milder climates. Spain, for example, recorded over ten million international arrivals in just two months. Cyprus and Malta also capitalized on this trend, with Malta witnessing a twelve point six percent increase in arrivals.

A key factor influencing tourists’ choices remains the value for money offered by destinations. Affordable countries such as Romania have successfully leveraged this advantage, drawing more visitors eager for budget-friendly travel options. Conversely, pricier destinations like Iceland have seen a decline in visitor numbers, reflecting shifting consumer priorities.

Despite concerns about the impact of new United States tariffs, transatlantic travel to Europe showed resilience. More than eighty percent of reporting destinations observed year-over-year growth in American visitors during the early months of 2025, underscoring continued strong interest from this key market.

Cyprus Tourism Fueled by Polish and Romanian Markets

Zooming in on Cyprus, the island is enjoying significant expansion in tourist arrivals from Poland and Romania, two markets that are increasingly pivotal to its tourism strategy. The year 2024 marked a record-setting period for visitors from Poland. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis reported that over three hundred thirty-seven thousand Polish tourists traveled to Cyprus last year, representing eight point three percent of total arrivals. This marked an extraordinary eighty percent increase compared to 2022 figures.

During a promotional tour in Poland in April 2025, Koumis emphasized the strategic importance of the Polish market, especially in light of the diminished inflow from other traditional source countries affected by geopolitical factors. Early data for 2025 indicates that Polish arrivals are continuing to grow, with an additional ten percent increase anticipated.

Romania is also emerging as a vital source of tourism for Cyprus. On a visit to Bucharest, Koumis forecasted a record year for Romanian travelers, expecting arrivals to exceed one hundred thousand for the first time. This anticipated boost is supported by the launch of direct flights operated by Animawings, linking seven Romanian cities to Cyprus’ key airports in Larnaca and Paphos.

Discussions with Romanian stakeholders have focused on broadening the tourism appeal beyond the traditional summer season. There is a concerted push to develop niche tourism sectors such as cultural exploration, rural tourism, and wellness retreats. These efforts align with Cyprus’ overarching ambition to position itself as a year-round travel destination.

At the start of 2025, Cyprus, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Norway, Latvia, Spain, Malta, Iceland, and the US are leading a powerful tourism surge driven by stronger connectivity and growing demand for off-season travel. This remarkable growth is transforming their economies and redefining visitor experiences despite global challenges.

Koumis concluded by reaffirming Cyprus’s commitment to extending the tourist season and achieving a balanced distribution of visitors throughout the year, underscoring ongoing tangible progress toward this goal.