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Cypriots Stick To Familiar Summer Choices, But Cruises Are Gaining Ground

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

Cypriots are sticking with familiar holiday choices this summer, with the Greek islands remaining the most popular destination, while Italy and France continue to lead demand across Europe. At the same time, one travel trend is gaining momentum: cruises are becoming an increasingly popular way to spend a summer holiday.

Familiar Destinations Still Lead The Market

According to former Association of Cyprus Travel Agents president Akis Kelepesi, travel preferences have changed little from last year. Greek islands continue to dominate outbound holiday bookings, followed by European destinations, particularly Italy and France.

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Rather than shifting to entirely new destinations, travellers are increasingly combining countries within the same trip, such as Italy and Switzerland or Germany and France.

Among the most popular Greek destinations are Rhodes, Crete, Skiathos and Preveza, which also serves as a gateway to nearby islands including Lefkada.

Longer-Haul Travel Is Regaining Interest

Demand is also recovering for long-haul destinations. Kelepesi pointed to growing interest in the Far East, the United States, Northern and Eastern Europe, as well as Poland. Japan has also become a more popular choice this year, reflecting travellers’ willingness to venture beyond the Mediterranean in search of new experiences.

Cruises Move Into The Mainstream

Cruise holidays continue to gain popularity among Cypriot travellers. According to Kelepesi, more holidaymakers are choosing cruises departing from Piraeus for Eastern Mediterranean itineraries or from Rome for routes across the Western Mediterranean.

The appeal lies in the convenience of visiting several destinations within a single trip, combined with predictable costs and fewer logistical arrangements than a traditional multi-city holiday.

Summer Remains Peak Travel Season

July and August continue to account for the bulk of outbound travel. Between 370,000 and 480,000 Cypriots are expected to travel abroad during the two months, compared with an average monthly outbound travel of between 120,000 and 140,000 passengers during the rest of the year.

Price Still Shapes Destination Choices

Kelepesi said holidays on many Greek islands now cost roughly the same as trips to major European cities. While destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini remain among the most expensive, islands including Rhodes, Lefkada and Crete continue to offer better value.

Larger islands such as Rhodes and Crete remain particularly attractive for families thanks to their hotel infrastructure, while younger couples continue to favour destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos and long-haul options including Bali.

Last-Minute Bookings Help Offset Softer Demand

Overall, outbound travel remains slightly below last year’s levels. Kelepesi attributed the softer market to geopolitical uncertainty during March and April, when many Cypriots typically book their summer holidays.

More recently, however, travel agencies have seen an increase in last-minute bookings. Although volumes remain below those recorded a year ago, the trend suggests travellers are delaying decisions rather than cancelling their holidays altogether.

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Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

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According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.