In 2026, trips abroad by Cyprus residents are expected to set a new all-time record, with the number estimated to exceed two million for the first time, which corresponds to 2.2 trips per permanent resident per year. At the same time, Greece continues to hold the top spot and remains the most popular destination with a 33% share, while Japan has been gaining significant ground in recent years among more distant destinations, Japan.
As Haris Papacharalambous, President of the Cyprus Association of Travel and Tourist Agents (ACTTA), the overall increase in trips taken by Cyprus residents stands at 7%, and it is estimated that by the end of the year the number will reach 2.1 million, compared to 1.96 million last year, as recorded in 2025.
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“I believe we’ll set a new record. If we had 1.96 million trips last year, this year we’ll reach 2.1 million,” he said, noting that this corresponds to approximately 2.2 trips per permanent resident per year.
As he said, the most important point is that “Cyprus residents continue to travel,” and travel is no longer viewed as a luxury but as a necessity, while also attributing the increase to Cyprus’s improved air connectivity, which expands both the range of destinations and the frequency of flights. “Although it is developing primarily with the aim of attracting inbound tourism, it also creates more options for the island’s residents,” he said.
85% of Trips from Cyprus Are to Europe
Approximately 85% of trips taken by Cypriot residents are to Europe, including the United Kingdom, while nearly 70% are to European Union countries. Greece remains in first place, accounting for approximately 33% of trips, followed by Italy, Poland, France, and Germany, among others. Spain, Romania, and Poland also show significant percentage increases.
At the same time, interest is growing in more distant destinations, such as the United States and, above all, Japan, which, as he explained, has been steadily gaining ground in the preferences of travelers from Cyprus over the past two to three years. Regarding the profile of travelers who choose Japan, she said they are mainly older adults and families with older children. He also noted that Thailand is making a comeback as a destination, following a decline in interest over the past one to two years.
British market down 11%
Regarding inbound tourism, Mr. Papacharalambous said that arrivals in July were close to last year’s levels, though the picture varies by market.
European markets continue to lag behind last year’s performance, a trend attributed, among other things, to changes in flight schedules following the events of March, as well as to the broader economic situation in key source countries for tourists.
As he noted, the British market in July was close to the levels seen in the same month last year, however, it remains about 11% lower year-over-year to date, while arrivals from European Union countries are down by 9.5%.
The Israeli market is helping to offset this, having recorded significant growth over the past two months. “We had about 80,000 to 90,000 more Israeli visitors in the last two months than last year,” said Mr. Papacharalambous, noting that the increase in June reached approximately 165%.
He clarified, however, that the increase in arrivals from Israel does not necessarily translate into a corresponding increase in overnight stays, as the average length of stay for Israeli visitors is shorter than that of the average European tourist. As a result, the number of overnight stays is estimated to have declined more sharply than the overall number of arrivals.
“Winter tourism remains the big challenge”
The ACCTA President also highlighted the issue of boosting winter tourism.
“The key issue—our main challenge—remains winter tourism,” he said, noting that a different approach is needed to make substantial progress.
When asked whether steps have already been taken to boost winter tourism, he replied that efforts are being made, but they are “sporadic” and “lacking a long-term plan.”
As he explained, such a major step cannot be taken effectively without specific, long-term planning, which will create the necessary conditions and provide security to those called upon to invest in the tourism product. “Those who invest must know that the product will be there,” he concluded.
When asked to assess tourism performance in 2027, he pointed out that the uncertainty that continues to characterize the geopolitical environment of the broader region makes it impossible to draw reliable conclusions.
Source: CNA
