Cyprus Sees 4.2% Growth in Tourist Arrivals, Reaching 3.27 Million from January to September

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 21, 2024

Tourist arrivals in Cyprus reached 3.27 million from January to September, reflecting a 4.2% rise compared to the same period in 2023 and a slight increase over the same timeframe in 2019, which was a record year for tourism in Cyprus.

Data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat) shows that 3,268,090 tourists visited the island in the first nine months of 2024, up from 3,136,145 during the same period last year. This figure also represents a 0.23% increase compared to the corresponding period of 2019, when Cyprus saw its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals.

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For September alone, the number of tourists reached 509,463, a 4.5% rise from the 487,350 recorded in September 2023, according to Cystat.

In September 2024, the United Kingdom was the top source of tourists, contributing 35.5% (180,961) of total arrivals. Israel followed with 10.7% (54,557), Poland with 8.3% (42,295), Germany with 4.8% (24,594), and Sweden with 4.2% (21,609).

Additionally, Cypriot residents traveling abroad increased by 11.4% in September 2024. A total of 156,153 residents returned from trips abroad, compared to 140,187 in September 2023. Greece was the top destination for these trips, with 35% (54,624) of the travelers. Other popular destinations included the United Kingdom (7.8%, 12,165), Italy (6.3%, 9,860), and Russia (5.6%, 8,719), according to Cystat.

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Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 22, 2026

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

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Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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