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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Cyprus Introduces €200 Million Support Measures To Cut Energy And Food Costs

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 27, 2026

Comprehensive Relief Measures For A Resilient Economy

The government of Cyprus introduced support measures exceeding €200 million to reduce household expenses and support key sectors. The package targets energy costs, food prices, tourism and agriculture. Measures come in response to rising costs and supply pressures. Implementation begins in April and May 2026.

Energy And Fiscal Reforms

The government will reduce VAT on electricity for households to 5% from May 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The measure is expected to lower energy bills. Special consumption tax on transport fuels will decrease by 8.33 cents per liter between April and June 2026. Policy targets fuel-related costs.

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Broadening The Zero VAT Initiative

Authorities will expand the list of products with zero VAT. Meat, poultry and fish will be included from April 1 to September 30, 2026. Existing zero-VAT categories already include fruits and vegetables. The government also decided not to introduce a green tax on fuels, avoiding an additional cost of about 9 cents per liter.

Sector-Specific Supports

The package includes a 30% wage subsidy for hotel employees for April 2026. Measure supports tourism businesses during the early season. Support for airlines aims to maintain connectivity with key destinations. The agriculture sector will receive subsidies covering 15% of costs for fertilizers and supplies in April and May.

Economic Stability, National Security

President Nikos Christodoulidis said economic stability remains a priority for the government. He noted that growth, fiscal balance and inflation trends support current policy decisions. Statement links economic policy with broader national priorities. The government continues to monitor external risks.

Ensuring Consumer Protection

Furthermore, the government has mandated rigorous market oversight and intensified inspections to prevent exploitative pricing during this period of economic intervention. This proactive stance ensures that the benefits of the measures directly serve the citizens without unintended inflationary impacts.

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