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Cyprus Reports Strong Tourism Growth In October 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 19, 2025

Cyprus experienced a substantial upswing in tourism this October 2025, with arrivals reaching 537,744 compared to 459,106 in the same month last year. According to data from the Statistical Service, this 17.1% jump underscores the sustained momentum that has characterized the nation’s tourism sector throughout the year.

Year-to-Date Performance Remains Robust

Between January and October 2025, the number of tourist arrivals climbed to 4,142,534 — an 11.1% increase over the corresponding period in 2024. This robust performance highlights a period of continuous growth, positioning Cyprus as a key destination for international visitors.

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Key Source Markets

The United Kingdom continues to dominate the inbound market, contributing 31.4% of all arrivals with 168,792 visitors. Other significant markets include:

Israel: 11.1% (59,508 visitors)
Germany: 7.8% (41,783 visitors)
Poland: 6.7% (36,262 visitors)
Sweden: 3.9% (20,806 visitors)
Greece: 3.7% (20,038 visitors)

Purpose Of Visits

In October alone, leisure travel was the primary motivator for 81.8% of visitors, while 11.0% traveled to visit friends and family and 7.1% for business purposes. These figures remain largely consistent with those recorded in October 2024, reflecting stable patterns in visitor behavior.

Growth In Outbound Travel

Not only is Cyprus attracting more international visitors, but outbound travel by Cypriot residents also increased by 15.3% in October 2025, with departures rising to 158,026 from 137,095 in October 2024. The primary destinations for these travelers included:

Greece: 33.1% (52,381 returns)
United Kingdom: 7.3% (11,585 travelers)
Italy: 5.7% (9,034 travelers)
Germany: 4.4% (6,914 travelers)

Travel Motivations

For outbound trips, leisure accounted for 69.2% of the travel purpose, closely followed by business travel at 27.1%, while education and other reasons comprised the remainder. This balanced mix of travel purposes further emphasizes the diverse interests propelling Cyprus’s travel market.

With these encouraging figures, Cyprus cements its role as a thriving hub for both inbound tourism and outbound travel, offering promising prospects for stakeholders in the travel and hospitality sectors.

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Tax Department Targets 500 Companies With Over €1 Million In Outstanding Tax Debt

Targeting Major Tax Defaulters

Cyprus’ Taxation Department is preparing to target an initial group of 500 companies with tax arrears exceeding €1 million as part of newly approved enforcement measures aimed at recovering unpaid liabilities. Under the updated framework approved by parliament, businesses with significant outstanding tax debts could face operational suspension and the sealing of their premises.

Debt And Enforcement Timeline

Authorities have identified companies across sectors, including retail, betting, luxury yacht sales and manufacturing, that have failed to settle substantial tax debts despite previous warnings and recommendations. The sealing measure legally applies to businesses owing more than €20,000, although the first phase will focus on companies with the largest outstanding liabilities.

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Officials said affected firms will receive three warnings over a period of 25 days before stricter measures are enforced. The aim is to encourage companies either to fully settle their debts or agree to an instalment plan.

Comprehensive Debt And Collection Measures

Outstanding liabilities include income tax, extraordinary defence contribution, capital gains tax, VAT, withholding taxes and related contributions. The amounts are based either on taxpayer self-assessments or final determinations issued by the tax office after all legal and procedural deadlines have expired.

Enhanced Compliance Through Documentation

The sealing measures will also apply to businesses that fail to issue invoices and receipts, submit inaccurate documentation or obstruct auditors during compliance checks. To support the process, the Taxation Department has procured tablets connected to the relevant software systems, while personnel are undergoing training focused on invoice and receipt verification.

Consequences For Non-Filing Of Returns

The enforcement policy will additionally apply to businesses that fail to submit mandatory tax, VAT and withholding declarations. Taxpayers have until the end of the year to regularise outstanding filings, after which operational suspensions are expected to begin on January 1, 2027.