Cyprus is poised to return to growth later this year according to the spring forecasts issued on Tuesday by the European Commission
Tourism in Cyprus followed a strong growth trajectory in 2025, with arrivals recording double-digit increases both year-on-year and outside the high season, confirming the destination’s momentum and its strategy to strengthen year-round tourism.
According to official data, tourist arrivals for the period January–November 2025 reached 4,377,114, compared to 3,907,137 in the same period of 2024, marking an increase of 12.0%. This represents one of the strongest performances of the past decade, with a positive impact on the economy and tourism businesses.
Record-breaking November and a clear message of season extension
Of particular importance is the performance of November 2025, which emerged as a milestone month for Cypriot tourism. Arrivals reached 234,580, compared to 179,941 in November 2024, recording an impressive increase of 30.4%. These figures reinforce Cyprus’s strategy to strengthen the low season and diversify its tourism product.
United Kingdom, Poland and Israel lead source markets
The United Kingdom remained the main source market in November 2025, accounting for 22.7% of arrivals (53,267 tourists). This was followed by:
- Poland: 13.2% (30,983 arrivals)
- Israel: 11.4% (26,816 arrivals)
- Germany: 10.4% (24,361 arrivals)
- Greece: 6.0% (13,965 arrivals)
The strong presence of Poland and Israel confirms the importance of emerging and regional markets, while Germany continues to be a stable pillar of tourist inflows.
More leisure travel, fewer business trips
A shift is also observed in the purpose of travel. In November 2025, 72.0% of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays, compared to 64.5% in the same month of 2024. In contrast, travel for visiting friends or relatives declined (13.1% from 17.2%), as did business travel (14.4% from 18.1%).
This development strengthens Cyprus’s positioning as a leisure tourism destination beyond the summer season.
Increase also recorded in outbound travel by Cypriot residents
At the same time, outbound travel by residents of Cyprus also rose. In November 2025, 137,210 trips abroad were recorded, compared to 120,248 in November 2024, representing an increase of 14.1%.
The main countries of return were:
- Greece: 30.9% (42,442 trips)
- United Kingdom: 9.7% (13,286 trips)
- Italy: 4.5% (6,114 trips)
The primary purpose of travel for Cypriot residents was holidays, accounting for 65.9%, while business travel represented 31.5%, highlighting the continued mobility of the business community.