Sunday, May 25, 2025
Saudi Arabia is beating the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Cyprus in a Middle East tourism boom because it brought in more international visitors than any of them in 2024—while rapidly scaling up hotels, expanding global flight routes, and pushing harder than any other country to transform itself into a tourism superpower. Backed by an all-in national strategy under Vision 2030, the Kingdom didn’t just grow—it surged, outpacing rivals that once dominated the region’s travel scene. And while Saudi Arabia now leads, the rest aren’t standing still. From Dubai’s luxury hotels to Jordan’s cultural stays and Cyprus’s packed summer coastlines, the entire region is in motion, each country making its own move to stay relevant in the most competitive tourism market the Middle East has ever seen.
Saudi Arabia: Leading the Pack With Record Arrivals and Sky-High Ambitions
Tourist Arrivals: Surging to the Top
Ask anyone who’s been watching the tourism scene closely, and they’ll tell you the same thing—Saudi Arabia isn’t in the race anymore. It’s ahead. In 2024, the Kingdom pulled in just under 30 million international visitors. That’s not only more than the UAE or Egypt—it’s more than most expected, even after last year’s big jump. You’d be hard-pressed to find a travel analyst who predicted this kind of pace. What used to be a market built almost entirely around pilgrimage has opened wide. The visitors coming now include leisure travelers, business execs, backpackers, and yes, still millions headed to Mecca and Medina.
And it’s not just the numbers—it’s where they’re coming from. The lift in arrivals from Europe, India, and neighboring Gulf countries has been steady, but there’s new traffic too—from places like Central Asia and East Africa. That wasn’t happening five years ago.
Hotel Growth: More Beds, Still Not Enough
It’s hard to walk through a hotel lobby in Riyadh or Jeddah right now without hearing at least three languages. That wasn’t always the case. Hotel capacity has expanded, sure—but not as fast as demand. Some weekends in 2024 saw five-star occupancy above 95% in central Riyadh. Even serviced apartments, long popular with business travelers and families, were booking out. Across the country, rooms filled up for major conferences, religious events, and even concert weekends.
What’s interesting is how fast the mid-tier and upscale segments are growing. New hotels are popping up in places you wouldn’t expect—Abha, Taif, AlUla. Investors are jumping in, and local developers are moving faster than usual. There’s money to be made, and they know it.
The result? SAR 153.6 billion in tourism revenue this year—roughly $41 billion. That’s a jump of over 13% from last year. And from the way occupancy is trending, 2025’s already shaping up to be busier.
Flight Expansions: Routes That Would’ve Been Unthinkable
Twelve months ago, few expected to see Virgin Atlantic touch down in Riyadh. Fewer expected Air France to follow. But that’s where things are now. Saudi Arabia’s airspace isn’t just open—it’s expanding fast. Saudia is leading the charge with direct flights to places like Nice, Venice, Vienna, Athens, and even Bali. But they’re not the only ones. Flynas, Flyadeal, and Fly Jinnah have quietly been adding new cities to the map, and suddenly places like Entebbe, Amman, Karachi, and Larnaca are just a few hours away.
It’s not just about convenience. It’s strategy. The more ways in and out, the more tourists show up. Riyadh and Jeddah aren’t just domestic powerhouses anymore—they’re international connection points.
The Shift: From Footnote to Focus
Here’s what’s changed. Tourism isn’t a side project in Saudi Arabia. It’s the plan. Vision 2030 isn’t some future blueprint—it’s now. There are cranes on the Red Sea coast, luxury resorts rising in NEOM, and historic sites being restored brick by brick. The money is moving, and so are the people.
Saudi Arabia has made it clear: it’s not content to play catch-up. It wants to lead—and in tourism, it already is.
Saudi Arabia City GuideRiyadh
Places to Visit:
Kingdom Centre Tower – Panoramic views from the sky bridge.National Museum of Saudi Arabia – A deep dive into Arabian heritage.Al Masmak Fortress – Historic stronghold and symbol of Saudi unification.
Things to Do:
Wander through Turaif District in Diriyah, a UNESCO site.Shop and dine at Al Nakheel Mall or The Zone.Attend live events during Riyadh Season (October–March).
Cultural Activities:
Watch a traditional Ardah sword dance performance.Visit a camel market or falconry center nearby.Explore local handicrafts at Souq Al Zal.
Food to Try:
Kabsa (spiced rice with lamb or chicken)Jareesh and mutabbaqDates and Arabic coffee served as warm hospitality
Travel Tip:
Use the metro or Careem (Uber alternative). Dress modestly, especially in traditional areas.
United Arab Emirates: Big Numbers, Bigger Expectations in a Shifting Tourism Game
Tourist Arrivals: Still Big, But Not the Biggest
The UAE continues to be one of the biggest names in Middle Eastern tourism—and for good reason. In 2024, Dubai alone welcomed 18.72 million overnight international visitors, up 9% from the year before. That number breaks the city’s all-time record and reflects the kind of sustained global pull few destinations can match. But here’s the twist: while Dubai was breaking its own record, Saudi Arabia was breaking past Dubai. The UAE’s total inbound numbers for 2024 haven’t been officially released yet, but in 2023, it welcomed 28.15 million visitors. If that growth held, Saudi still beat it.
Still, the UAE is far from slowing down. What’s happening now is more about quality and experience. Tourists are coming for luxury, yes—but also for culture, food, and multi-day city hopping between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Dubai’s global branding is unmatched, and that matters in an increasingly competitive market.
Hotel Growth: Sky-High Occupancy, Sky-High Stakes
If there’s one place in the region that knows how to fill a hotel, it’s the UAE. In 2024, hotels across all seven emirates averaged 77.8% occupancy—one of the highest rates in the world. From January to September, the country racked up 75.5 million guest nights, up 8% year-over-year. And it’s not just five-star glitz. Budget hotels, family resorts, and business stays all saw solid numbers.
Dubai alone has over 151,000 hotel rooms, and more are being added—fast. With this kind of volume, even a small percentage bump means huge revenue. Speaking of which, the UAE’s hotel sector brought in AED 33.5 billion ($9.1 billion) in just the first nine months of the year. That’s a 4% increase, and part of a broader push under the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to bring in AED 450 billion in annual tourism revenue within a decade.
Flight Expansions: Restoring and Rebuilding Links
The UAE has never been shy about owning the skies, and 2025 is no exception. One of the most symbolic moves came from flydubai, which announced the resumption of direct flights to Damascus—something no UAE airline had done since 2012. Starting June 1, daily flights will run from Dubai International’s Terminal 2 to Syria’s capital, restoring a long-frozen link in regional aviation.
Elsewhere, India remains a priority. IndiGo will launch new Madurai–Abu Dhabi service on June 13, marking the 16th Indian city connected to the UAE. It’s part of a broader Indian-UAE corridor that now includes over 280 weekly flights from 20 Indian cities to five UAE airports. That’s massive, and it reflects the scale of expat travel, VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic, and business movement between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Air India has launched a sweeping fare sale across its international network, with roundtrip fares between India and the UAE starting at just Dh717—a bold move timed ahead of the summer travel peak, when prices often surge. The goal: keep the UAE accessible, even when demand explodes.
Positioning: From Trendsetter to Pressure Point
Here’s what makes the UAE unique. It’s no longer just the region’s travel trendsetter—it’s now feeling the pressure. With Saudi Arabia rising, the playing field is changing. But rather than panic, the Emirates are refining their edge: better infrastructure, digital border entry, cultural experiences that go beyond malls and marinas. The focus is now on sustainability, repeat visitors, and making each arrival count more.
In a region full of bold tourism plays, the UAE isn’t backing down. It’s evolving—fast—and still very much in the race.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) City GuideDubai
Places to Visit:
Burj Khalifa – Tallest building on Earth.The Dubai Mall – One of the largest shopping complexes globally.Dubai Marina and JBR Walk – Beach, shops, and cafes in one.Al Fahidi Historic District – For a glimpse into old Dubai.
Things to Do:
Desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides, and BBQ dinner.Skydiving over Palm Jumeirah.Cruise on a traditional dhow along Dubai Creek.
Cultural Activities:
Visit the Etihad Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.Explore the Textile Souk and Gold Souk.Attend a Tanoura dance or Emirati cultural show.
Food to Try:
Machboos and LuqaimatIranian, Lebanese, and Indian street food in Al KaramaGourmet dining in Downtown Dubai
Travel Tip:
The Dubai Metro is clean and efficient. Friday brunch is a cultural phenomenon—book in advance!
Egypt: A Comeback Story Written in Bookings, Beaches, and Billions
Tourist Arrivals: Record Highs, But Room to Climb
Egypt’s travel numbers in 2024 were nothing short of historic. The country welcomed 15.78 million international visitors, topping its previous record of 14.91 million in 2023 and soaring 21% above pre-pandemic levels. That’s a major win for a country where tourism is deeply tied to the national economy—and the national psyche. For decades, the pyramids, the Nile, and the Red Sea coast have pulled travelers from around the world. But Egypt’s recovery isn’t just about legacy appeal—it’s about rebuilding after tough years, and showing the world it’s open, safe, and better connected than ever.
That said, even with a new record, Egypt now finds itself looking up at Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have pulled further ahead in the regional tourism race. Still, there’s plenty of momentum. Tourists are coming back to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El Sheikh—and staying longer than they used to.
Hotel Growth: Full Rooms and Bigger Payoffs
One thing is clear: Egypt’s hotels are back in business. By the end of 2024, the national hotel occupancy rate hit 69%, a sharp 25% jump from the year before. In tourism hotspots like Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Cairo, occupancy exceeded 75%—numbers the country hasn’t seen consistently since before 2011. The demand is there, and hotels have been quick to respond with upgraded service, renovated rooms, and better booking platforms. It’s working.
In raw revenue, Egypt’s tourism sector pulled in $15.3 billion this year, a significant rise from $14.1 billion in 2023. Nearly $6.6 billion of that came in the first half of the year alone, reflecting strong seasonal traffic. These aren’t just numbers—they’re signals that Egypt is stabilizing as a destination, not just relying on high seasons but drawing consistent interest across the calendar.
Flight Expansions: Filling the Gaps, Growing the Reach
EgyptAir has been busy—and ambitious. In 2025, the national carrier isn’t just tweaking its routes; it’s expanding into full-on network building. Egypt now has new or increased service to Zurich, Prague, Lisbon, Abidjan, Djibouti, Misrata, and Fujairah, among others. European traffic has picked up, but so has African connectivity—part of Egypt’s broader strategy to reclaim its role as a regional bridge.
Perhaps the most meaningful addition is the seasonal increase in flights to Toronto, which jumps from five to seven weekly between June 9 and September 21—a reflection of growing diaspora travel and long-haul tourism interest. Other big routes like Cairo–New York, Cairo–Guangzhou, and Cairo–Tokyo Narita are getting upgraded aircraft and frequency tweaks.
And it’s not just EgyptAir. Somon Air now flies direct between Dushanbe and Sharm El Sheikh, while Eurowings has added Cologne, Hamburg, and Berlin to its Egypt schedule. The mix of legacy and low-cost carriers is giving travelers more choice and Egypt more reach.
Positioning: A Veteran Player With Fresh Energy
Egypt doesn’t need to introduce itself. It’s always been a tourism heavyweight. But right now, it’s fighting to stay in the upper tier as the region evolves fast. Unlike Saudi Arabia’s flash or the UAE’s polish, Egypt plays on emotion and history—and lately, better infrastructure. Major airport upgrades, streamlined visa policies, and security investments have made a big difference. So has the government’s push to balance mass tourism with cultural preservation.
Egypt’s challenge is no longer just recovering—it’s about keeping pace in a Middle East that’s more competitive than ever. And in 2024, it did just that.
Egypt City GuideCairo
Places to Visit:
The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx – One of the Seven Wonders.Egyptian Museum – King Tut’s treasures.Al-Azhar Mosque – One of the oldest Islamic universities.
Things to Do:
Cruise the Nile on a traditional felucca.Stroll through Khan El Khalili Bazaar.Watch the Sound & Light Show at the pyramids.
Cultural Activities:
Learn Egyptian dance or music at Cairo Opera House workshops.Take part in a traditional tea ceremony at El Fishawy Café.Visit a Coptic Christian church in Old Cairo.
Food to Try:
Koshari, Molokhia, and Ful MedamesHawawshi (meat-stuffed bread)Fresh sugarcane juice
Travel Tip:
Traffic can be chaotic—use Uber over taxis. Avoid tap water and stick to bottled.
Qatar: Small but Strategic, With a First-Class Flight Plan and Quiet Growth
Tourist Arrivals: Small Country, Big Moves
Qatar’s not the biggest tourism player in the region, and it knows that. But in 2024, it pulled in more than 5 million international visitors—a solid step up from last year’s 4 million. That’s not a headline-grabbing number like Saudi’s or Dubai’s, but for a country this small, it’s impressive. More important? The numbers are holding. Post–World Cup, there were real doubts about whether visitors would keep coming. But they are—and not just on stopovers. People are spending nights in Doha, checking out the museums, walking the Corniche, booking desert drives, and actually staying.
The biggest chunk still comes from around the Gulf—nearly half of all arrivals. But traffic from Europe and Asia is growing too. Not explosive, but steady. The kind of growth that tells you people are adding Qatar to their plans not because they have to—but because they want to.
Hotel Growth: Fewer Rooms, But Full Ones
Qatar doesn’t have the hotel volume of the UAE or Saudi—and it’s not pretending to. But what it does have, it’s using well. In 2024, occupancy hit 75%, which is seriously strong. That’s up 38% from the year before, and it held across both top-end hotels and mid-range spots. There’s a sweet spot in Doha right now: five-star stays at luxury rates, but with space and quiet you don’t always get in bigger cities.
The country’s total key count is just under 40,000, and they’re not rushing to double it overnight. That’s intentional. The idea isn’t more rooms—it’s better ones. Places like the new Treffen House in Msheireb show where things are heading: boutique vibes, local design, and an escape from the generic five-star experience. And it’s working. Room rates are up. So is guest satisfaction.
Flight Expansions: Still the Hub to Beat
This is where Qatar still swings harder than anyone its size should. Qatar Airways added new routes in 2025—to Tashkent, Toronto, and Malta, plus deeper service into Saudi Arabia with flights to AlUla and Yanbu. They’re also flying more often on routes that already dominate: London to Doha runs eight times a day, and Bangkok–Doha clocks 32 flights a week—most of them on massive widebody jets.
It’s not just about how many planes. It’s the strategy. Qatar’s banking on being the connector—for travelers from Asia heading to Europe, for African traffic heading east, for expats going home and back. The airport’s tight, efficient, and still one of the best in the world. And passengers notice.
Positioning: Subtle, But Still Standing Out
Qatar’s not chasing mega-tourism the way some of its neighbors are. It’s not launching ten new cities or trying to double its population with resorts. What it is doing is staying smart—targeting upscale, slow-burn growth. Travelers who don’t need a party city. Travelers who care about art museums, or Arabic architecture, or food that isn’t globalized to death.
That’s not to say Qatar can sit still. Saudi is rolling out a new destination every few weeks, and the UAE’s always evolving. But in its own low-key way, Qatar’s holding its ground—and in a region this competitive, that’s saying something.
Qatar City GuideDoha
Places to Visit:
Souq Waqif – Traditional market full of spices, perfumes, and handicrafts.Museum of Islamic Art – Designed by I.M. Pei.Katara Cultural Village – For art, music, and performances.
Things to Do:
Stroll along the Doha Corniche at sunset.Take a desert safari to the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid).Shop at Villaggio Mall with gondolas and Venetian vibes.
Cultural Activities:
Watch falconry demos or visit the Falcon Souq.Attend a pearl diving heritage talk.Join National Day celebrations on December 18.
Food to Try:
Majboos, Balaleet, and SamboosaMachboos at local Qatari restaurantsArabic sweets like baklava and halwa
Travel Tip:
Qatar is compact—Uber is the easiest way to get around. Friday mornings are very quiet due to prayers.
Oman: The Middle East’s Slow Burn Success in Nature, Nights, and New Routes
Tourist Arrivals: Quiet Rise, Strong Foundation
Oman doesn’t grab the headlines like its flashier neighbors, but make no mistake — it’s growing, and the numbers prove it. In 2024, the Sultanate welcomed 2.85 million international visitors, a solid jump from 2.11 million in 2023. That kind of increase isn’t by accident. Oman’s been putting in the work—expanding air routes, cleaning up visa access, and investing in natural tourism instead of megaprojects. It’s not trying to outshine Dubai or Riyadh. It’s carving its own lane.
And the visitors it draws? They’re not just stopover passengers. They come to stay longer, hike in the mountains, explore wadis, dive in the coral-rich waters near Musandam, or just slow down somewhere quiet. The country has become a favorite for Gulf-based travelers looking for a reset, and increasingly, for Europeans who want sun without the noise.
Hotel Growth: Not Just Building, But Earning
For a country with under-the-radar branding, Oman’s hotel sector is doing surprisingly well. In 2024, revenues from 3- to 5-star hotels hit RO 243.4 million, up from RO 229.3 million the year before. That’s a 6.2% increase, even as total visitor numbers through November dipped slightly. Translation? Fewer tourists, but more spending per guest—a good problem to have.
The total number of hotel guests in top-tier properties rose to 1.93 million, a 4% jump, and occupancy edged up to 48.6%. That might not sound high compared to the UAE’s 77%, but it’s a meaningful step forward in a country where tourism has never been about volume. Oman’s not building sky-high towers in Muscat—it’s building experiences in places like Salalah, Nizwa, and Jebel Akhdar.
The focus here is value. Not just more rooms, but better ones. Quiet beachfront resorts, boutique mountain lodges, eco-friendly desert camps. The kind of places that don’t try too hard — and don’t have to.
Flight Expansions: New Routes, Right Targets
Oman’s airports aren’t packed like Dubai’s, but that’s never been the point. The country’s aviation strategy in 2025 has been about precision, not scale. This May, the Civil Aviation Authority approved new international routes, including a direct link from Muscat to Sochi via Red Wings Airlines, launching June 22. That’s a smart play — Russians already visit Oman for the winter sun, and now they’ve got a dedicated flight.
Then there’s India. Oman and India have always had close ties, and 2025 saw that deepen with IndiGo launching direct service from Kannur to Muscat, running three times a week. It’s a meaningful addition, especially for the massive Indian workforce and their families.
The biggest announcement, though, was from Oman Air. Starting October 26, the airline will bring back double-daily flights between Muscat and London Heathrow—initially four times a week, scaling up to 14 weekly by summer 2026. These aren’t token flights either—they’re running Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, complete with Oman Air’s signature Business Studios, and it’s all timed for better connections to North America via oneworld partners. This is Oman punching above its weight—and doing it well.
Positioning: Playing the Long Game
Oman’s not trying to win the numbers game. It’s playing for something longer-term: a reputation. A place where travelers can unplug, explore quietly, and feel like they’ve found something different from the rest of the Gulf.
That’s why you won’t see it blasting out tourist ads on skyscrapers or dropping megaprojects every quarter. What you will see is progress that sticks—steady visitor growth, rising hotel revenue, and a flight network that makes sense. Oman’s tourism push may not be loud, but in 2024, it was one of the region’s most thoughtful—and it’s working.
Oman City GuideMuscat
Places to Visit:
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Marvel at the world’s second-largest carpet.Mutrah Souq – Ancient Arabian market by the harbor.Royal Opera House Muscat – Elegant and world-renowned.
Things to Do:
Swim in the turquoise Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid.Go dolphin watching or snorkeling in Bandar Khayran.Visit the historic Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts.
Cultural Activities:
Tour an Omani frankincense farm in Salalah.Watch Omani folk dances during festivals.Join a local for kahwa (Omani coffee) and dates.
Food to Try:
Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), Mashuai, and HalwaMajboos with saffron and dried lemonFreshly grilled seafood
Travel Tip:
Oman is very safe and welcoming. Dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
Jordan: Holding the Line With Deep Roots and a New Look East
Tourist Arrivals: Holding Steady in a Tough Crowd
In a year when most of the region was breaking records, Jordan took a different path—it held the line. The country welcomed 5.22 million international visitors in 2024, a slight dip from 5.35 million the year before. Not a collapse, not a spike. Just steady, familiar numbers. And that’s the story here. While Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt grabbed headlines with record surges, Jordan quietly kept its tourism engine running at a consistent hum.
Places like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea still anchor most itineraries. But Jordan’s strength has always been its ability to feel personal. It’s not mass tourism—it’s one-on-one. You don’t just see Petra, you walk through it for hours. You don’t just visit a camp in Wadi Rum, you share coffee with the Bedouins running it. That kind of experience doesn’t show up in arrival charts—but it keeps people coming back.
Hotel Growth: Smaller Market, Focused Gains
Jordan’s hotel sector doesn’t pretend to rival Dubai or Riyadh. But it knows its audience, and it plays to its strengths. In early 2024, the country recorded a 23% rise in hotel guests, with over 555,000 people checking into rated hotels between January and April. That’s a strong start, especially for a market that leans heavily on seasonal travel.
Revenues followed suit. In the first quarter, hotel and tourist site revenues rose 32% year-on-year, with over JD700 million (about $990 million) recorded by April. These aren’t massive headline numbers, but in Jordan’s scale, they’re healthy. They point to better average stays, more site visits, and a return of international tour operators who’d paused for years.
And while Amman remains the core, coastal Aqaba, the eastern desert lodges, and wellness resorts along the Dead Sea are gaining traction too—especially among European and Gulf travelers looking for something different from the usual Gulf city break.
Flight Expansions: Aiming for India, Eyes on Europe
Jordan’s national carrier, Royal Jordanian, made one of its boldest moves in years by announcing new direct flights to Mumbai and New Delhi in 2025. The Mumbai route launched on April 17 with four weekly flights, while New Delhi service kicks off on September 17. Both routes use A320neo aircraft with business and economy seating—and yes, full in-flight WiFi.
This isn’t just about tapping into India’s outbound travel wave. It’s about turning Amman into a gateway hub for Indian travelers heading to Europe or North America. With competitive fares (as low as INR 19,999 one-way), RJ is betting big on connecting markets that normally pass through Doha or Dubai. And they’re not wrong—traffic from South Asia is rising fast, and Jordan wants a bigger piece of it.
There’s also talk of more Europe flights, with seasonal increases likely tied to Petra’s busy months. And with Wizz Air and other low-cost carriers sniffing around Jordan’s airport scene, it’s a safe bet you’ll see more new flags at Queen Alia International before the year’s out.
Positioning: Not the Loudest, But Still Standing Strong
Jordan knows what it’s good at—and it sticks to it. Cultural depth. History that hits hard. Landscapes that change within hours of driving. It doesn’t chase skyscraper tourism or gigaproject headlines. It leans into its roots. It’s the kind of place where a three-hour dinner with locals can be the highlight of your trip—and they don’t even charge for it.
Still, 2024 reminded Jordan that the region is moving fast. Saudi Arabia’s everywhere, Egypt’s rebuilding, and the UAE keeps evolving. For Jordan to stay relevant, it’ll need to keep modernizing flights, protecting heritage sites, and making sure that personal magic doesn’t get lost in the crowd. So far, it’s pulling it off.
Jordan City GuideAmman
Places to Visit:
Citadel Hill and Roman Theatre – Ancient ruins in the heart of the city.Rainbow Street – Cafes, galleries, and views.Jordan Museum – Home to the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Things to Do:
Float in the Dead Sea and slather on mineral mud.Explore Petra—Jordan’s crown jewel.Hike in Wadi Mujib or camp under stars in Wadi Rum.
Cultural Activities:
Try a dabke dance class.Visit a Bedouin tent and enjoy traditional Zarb cooking.Attend a calligraphy or mosaic workshop.
Food to Try:
Mansaf, Maqluba, and Falafel from HashemFresh labneh and knafehZaatar and olive oil breakfasts
Travel Tip:
Avoid driving in Amman—traffic is unpredictable. Consider a day trip to Jerash for well-preserved Roman ruins.
Cyprus: Europe’s Year-Round Retreat With Strong Summers and Growing Reach
Tourist Arrivals: Quiet Numbers, Busy Beaches
Cyprus may not draw the flash of Dubai or the scale of Egypt, but in 2024, it pulled in a respectable 4.04 million international visitors, up from 3.85 million the year before. For a small island sitting at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, that’s a solid climb—steady, not explosive. The country’s been banking on short-haul markets like the UK, Poland, Germany, and Israel, and they all showed up again this year. British travelers alone made up over 24% of February’s arrivals—proof that the Cyprus–UK link isn’t going anywhere.
But here’s the real story: while the arrivals are modest by regional standards, the summer season in Cyprus still hits like clockwork. July and August saw hotel occupancy rates between 80% and 90% in many regions, with some properties fully booked weeks in advance. For an island that relies heavily on its coastline, sunshine, and sea breezes — it’s still working.
Hotel Growth: Regional Player, Reliable Numbers
Cyprus isn’t trying to be the next luxury playground of the Gulf. But it does know how to fill a room. In 2024, average hotel occupancy rose to 52.7%, compared to 46.7% the year before. That doesn’t sound huge until you break it down: some areas like Paphos hit 80% in high season, Larnaca held steady just above 70%, and Famagusta stayed between 60% and 70%. Those are strong numbers for a country that still depends more on seasonal travel than year-round business tourism.
Tourism revenue told the same story. Cyprus pulled in €3.21 billion (about $3.6 billion USD) in 2024—up 7.3% from 2023. That’s solid growth driven by repeat European visitors, good flight access, and an industry that knows its audience. Hotels here aren’t trying to be flashy—they’re trying to be full. And they mostly are.
Flight Expansions: Filling in the Gaps
Air connectivity has always been Cyprus’s make-or-break—and in 2025, it’s getting better. Wizz Air, already a major player, launched new routes from Pafos to Yerevan, and from Larnaca to Barcelona, Chisinau, and Timisoara. Those additions aren’t random—they’re focused, affordable links to markets with rising outbound traffic.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Airways is adding routes too, most notably a seasonal Larnaca–Venice connection running from May 30 to September 29. It’s part of a broader Summer 2025 schedule that targets both European leisure travelers and the Cypriot diaspora abroad. They’re also maintaining links to Athens, Paris, Milan, Rhodes, Beirut, and Tel Aviv—keeping Cyprus firmly plugged into both the EU and the eastern Mediterranean.
It’s not about global dominance here. It’s about making sure people can get in easily—and leave wanting to come back.
Positioning: Europe’s Mediterranean Middle Ground
Cyprus sits in a strange spot—it’s part of the EU, physically in the Middle East, and culturally somewhere in between. And that’s its edge. Tourists who want the sun and sea of Greece but with a bit less crowds often end up here. Same for travelers who’ve done Italy and Spain and are ready for something familiar—but not quite the same.
In 2024, Cyprus didn’t explode with new infrastructure or flashy marketing. But it held its ground. Steady growth, solid revenue, and full hotels through the summer. That’s what winning looks like for a country that knows who it is—and who it’s for.
Cyprus City GuideNicosia, Limassol & Paphos
Places to Visit:
Kyrenia Gate and Venetian Walls in NicosiaKolossi Castle and Kourion ruins in LimassolTombs of the Kings and Aphrodite’s Rock in Paphos
Things to Do:
Explore Troodos Mountains for wine tasting and village hopping.Relax on Fig Tree Bay or Coral Bay.Discover Larnaca’s Salt Lake and flamingos (winter months).
Cultural Activities:
Visit a lefkara lace-making workshop.Join a Cypriot cooking class for halloumi and sheftalia.Experience Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations.
Food to Try:
Souvla, Stifado, and Meze plattersLocal Commandaria wineLoukoumades and Baklava
Travel Tip:
Cyprus has a relaxed pace—rent a car to explore both coastal and mountain villages.
Conclusion: A Region Reimagined for the Global Traveler
What’s happening across the Middle East right now isn’t a trend—it’s a transformation. These countries aren’t simply polishing up old brochures or expanding airports. They’re rewriting their story from the ground up. Saudi Arabia, once a closed chapter in global tourism, is now one of its most compelling. You can feel it walking through AlUla’s sandstone tombs or hearing the buzz around Riyadh’s cultural revival. In the UAE, the spectacle hasn’t faded—but now it’s backed by deeper, richer experiences that go beyond the skyline. Egypt is inviting travelers to reconnect with the past in ways that feel personal, not packaged. Oman and Jordan continue to offer a kind of quiet beauty that hits you unexpectedly, while Cyprus moves at its own rhythm—sun-soaked, historic, and effortlessly charming. The region as a whole no longer waits for visitors to stumble upon it. It’s stepping confidently into the spotlight, not just to be seen, but to be remembered. For anyone curious enough to look beyond old headlines, there’s a new story unfolding here—and it’s worth the journey.
Tags: cyprus, Egypt, jordan, Middle East, Oman, QATAR, saudi arabia, Tourism news, travel industry, Travel News, UAE
