Cyprus Joins UK, Poland, Israel, Germany, Sweden, Romania, Denmark, Netherlands, Lebanon, And More In Igniting A Revolutionary Over Ten Percent Growth In Tourist Arrivals

Friday, July 18, 2025

Cyprus has experienced a game-changing transformation in its tourism sector, joining a group of key source countries including the UK, Poland, Israel, Germany, Sweden, Romania, Denmark, Netherlands, Lebanon, and more, in driving a remarkable over ten percent increase in tourist arrivals. This explosive growth is fueled by Cyprus’s strategic positioning as a prime Mediterranean destination, offering an irresistible blend of cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and unique experiences. Enhanced global marketing campaigns, coupled with the island’s appeal to diverse international travelers, have significantly contributed to this revolution in visitor numbers, solidifying Cyprus as a top contender in global tourism.

Cyprus is enjoying a notable surge in tourism, as the island sees a significant 11.5% increase in visitor arrivals during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. According to the latest data from the Statistical Service, Cyprus welcomed 1.843 million tourists in the first six months of 2025, up from 1.652 million in the same timeframe of 2024. This growth signifies a continued recovery for Cyprus as a top Mediterranean destination, demonstrating its lasting appeal to travelers worldwide.

In June 2025, the island recorded 498,527 arrivals, reflecting a solid 3.4% year-over-year increase. The United Kingdom remained the dominant source market for visitors, contributing 181,610 tourists, or 36.4% of the total arrivals. Poland ranked second, with 7.3%, followed by Israel at 6.1%, Germany at 5.3%, Sweden at 4.8%, and Romania at 3.4%. These figures show Cyprus’s diverse appeal to tourists from various regions.

A remarkable trend observed in 2025 was the substantial growth from several European countries. Denmark saw the highest percentage increase, with arrivals surging by an impressive 73.6%. The Netherlands followed closely, with a 31.3% rise in visitors, while Romania and Lebanon recorded increases of 29.1% and 25%, respectively. This indicates that Cyprus is attracting a broader range of travelers, particularly from Northern and Eastern Europe, who are increasingly drawn to the island’s attractions.

However, not all source markets saw growth. Israel, a historically strong market for Cyprus, experienced a significant drop of 41.6% in visitor numbers. France also saw a decline of 20.1%, and Greece, typically a reliable source of tourists for Cyprus, recorded a 16.4% decrease in arrivals. These reductions suggest that shifting travel preferences, as well as potential geopolitical and economic factors, may be influencing these markets.

The primary reason for visiting Cyprus remained leisure, with 81.2% of visitors coming for holidays. Cyprus’s mix of stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites continues to draw tourists seeking relaxation and exploration. Additionally, 13.2% of visitors traveled to visit friends and family, while 5.6% arrived for business-related purposes, further highlighting the island’s multi-faceted tourism offerings.

Cyprus also witnessed a notable increase in outbound travel in 2025, with Cypriot residents traveling abroad more frequently. June 2025 saw a 15.1% rise in international departures, totaling 157,324 trips, compared to 136,739 in June 2024. This growth suggests that Cypriots are exploring more international destinations, spurred by greater travel opportunities and rising global connectivity.

Greece remained the top destination for Cypriot travelers, with 34% of outbound travel directed there. The United Kingdom was the second most popular destination, accounting for 8.3%, followed by Italy with 7.1%. These countries’ proximity and strong cultural ties to Cyprus reflect the ease with which Cypriots are able to travel to neighboring nations.

For Cypriot travelers, leisure remained the predominant reason for traveling abroad, with 61.6% of travelers citing holidays as their main motivation. Business travel accounted for 24.9% of outbound trips, and study-related travel made up 11.8%. The remaining 1.6% of travelers reported other reasons for their trips, further emphasizing the strong interest in leisure travel and Cyprus’s close connections with European and neighboring countries.

Cyprus has joined countries like the UK, Poland, Israel, Germany, and more in driving a revolutionary over ten percent growth in tourist arrivals, fueled by its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and strategic marketing efforts that have captivated global travelers.

In conclusion, Cyprus continues to show robust growth in both inbound tourism and outbound travel. The island’s ability to attract a diverse range of international tourists, alongside increased travel activity among Cypriot residents, signals its growing prominence as a leading destination in the Mediterranean. With the second half of 2025 expected to build on this momentum, Cyprus’s tourism sector remains a key contributor to the island’s economy and a testament to its enduring appeal to visitors from around the globe.