Tourist arrivals in Cyprus have been on the rise, as the latest data from February 2025 revealed a 7% increase in year-on-year numbers. An additional 32,865 visitors arrived in Cyprus during the first two months of the year. This substantial growth represents a 15.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024, signaling a positive trend for the country’s tourism sector.

Year-on-Year Growth in February 2025

In February 2025, Cyprus welcomed 133,760 visitors, an increase from 125,034 arrivals recorded in the same month of 2024. This marked a rise of 7% in just one year, indicating a robust recovery and continued interest in the island as a travel destination. Over the course of the first two months of the year, the number of tourists arriving reached a total of 245,860, up from 212,995 in early 2024.

Leading Source Markets

The United Kingdom remained the leading source of tourism for Cyprus in February 2025, contributing 24.8% of the total arrivals, amounting to 33,115 visitors. Following the UK, Poland made up 15.1% of the arrivals with 20,165 visitors, while Israel accounted for 14.3% with 19,194 tourists. Greece followed closely behind with 8.2% of the total share, contributing 10,978 visitors.

These figures demonstrate the continuing influence of the UK, Poland, Israel, and Greece as key markets for Cyprus tourism, which plays a vital role in shaping the island’s tourism strategy moving forward.

Purpose of Travel: Leisure, Family, and Business

In February 2025, the primary reason for visiting Cyprus was holidays, with 60.3% of visitors traveling for leisure. This was followed by 20.4% of travelers visiting friends or relatives, and 19.1% arriving for business purposes. These statistics show a slight shift in the types of tourism that Cyprus is attracting. Compared to February 2024, when 66.8% of visitors came for holidays, the percentage of tourists traveling for leisure decreased by 6.5%, while those visiting for family purposes rose by 2.6%, and business tourism increased by 4.9%.

Impact of the Increase on the Travel Industry

The substantial increase in tourist arrivals in early 2025 holds major implications for the global travel industry. Cyprus, as a key Mediterranean destination, is seeing a resurgence in popularity among international travelers. This growth could potentially lead to the expansion of aviation routes and hospitality offerings on the island, as well as boosting demand for local services like tour guides and transport. For countries like the United Kingdom, Poland, and Israel, the upward trend in visits to Cyprus suggests that travelers are increasingly opting for short-haul, sun-soaked destinations, driving demand in this sector.

Cypriot Residents’ Travel Trends

In addition to the increase in tourist arrivals, Cypriot residents also demonstrated a growing appetite for international travel. In February 2025, the number of trips abroad taken by Cypriots reached 124,232, up 8.9% from the 114,110 trips made in February 2024. The increase in outbound travel reflects a broader trend of global mobility, with Cypriot residents seeking international destinations.

Greece remained the most popular destination for Cypriot travelers, accounting for 34.4% of outbound trips, with 42,733 residents heading there in February 2025. The United Kingdom followed as the second most common destination, with 9.5% of trips, and Italy rounded out the top three with 5.1%. Other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Germany, also featured prominently in the list of destinations for Cypriot residents.

A Positive Outlook for Travel

Overall, the tourism sector in Cyprus shows a promising outlook for 2025. The growth in both inbound and outbound travel signals a resurgence in the global mobility of tourists. As destinations like Cyprus continue to attract more visitors, the travel industry at large can anticipate a continued demand for short-haul destinations, alongside a shift in the types of tourism being pursued. This development reflects global trends that could redefine how countries market their tourism offerings to meet the evolving preferences of travelers.

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