Declining Arrivals And Revenue Implications
Recent data show that the absence of Israeli tourists over the past two months has affected Cyprus’ tourism sector, particularly given the market’s high daily spending levels. Tourist arrivals reached 455,680 in May 2026, compared with 479,160 in May 2025, representing a decline of 4.9%. During the January-May period, arrivals were down 13.3% compared with the same period a year earlier.
Foreign Market Contributions: United Kingdom And Beyond
The United Kingdom remained Cyprus’ largest source market in May 2026, accounting for 36.3% of total arrivals, or 165,600 visitors. Israel followed with 53,649 arrivals, representing 11.8% of the total. Other key markets included Poland with 37,307 arrivals (8.2%), Germany with 28,546 arrivals (6.3%), and Sweden with 22,111 arrivals (4.9%). Despite a decline in arrivals from some markets, these countries continue to account for a significant share of Cyprus’ tourism traffic.
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Rebound In Israeli Tourism
Arrivals from Israel recovered during May 2026 following the sharp decline recorded in March. Visitor numbers rose from 1,537 in March to 15,997 in April before reaching 53,649 in May. Compared with May 2025, arrivals from Israel increased by 18.6%. The recovery follows the near-zero inflow recorded in March after an incident involving a drone near British military bases.
Government Response And Strategic Management
Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said the ministry remains focused on supporting the sector’s recovery following one of the most difficult periods in recent decades outside the pandemic. According to Koumis, efforts to promote Cyprus as a safe destination helped limit the impact of geopolitical tensions and disruptions affecting air connectivity.
Investing In A Resilient Future
Over the past three months, authorities and industry stakeholders have focused on supporting Cyprus’ presence in international tourism markets. Actions have included digital marketing campaigns in 27 countries, visits by foreign journalists and influencers, international meetings and presentations, and cooperation with long-standing tourism partners.
