Cyprus Sees Robust 9.5% Increase In Tourist Arrivals In February 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 19, 2026

Robust Growth In February

Data from the Statistical Service reveals that Cyprus experienced a notable 9.5% increase in tourist arrivals during February 2026, with numbers rising from 133,760 in February 2025 to 146,516. This surge underscores a sustained recovery in the region’s tourism sector.

Early 2026 Performance Indicates Continued Momentum

For the combined period of January and February 2026, the total number of arrivals reached 268,141, compared to 245,860 in the same period last year. This 9.1% increase highlights the island’s growing appeal and robust performance as a top travel destination.

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Key International Markets Driving Growth

The United Kingdom led the influx, contributing 19.3% (28,217 arrivals) in February 2026, followed by Poland at 18.4% (27,003 arrivals) and Israel at 12.6% (18,530 arrivals). Greece (9.3% or 13,604 arrivals) and Germany (6.6% or 9,723 arrivals) also featured prominently.

Diverse Travel Motivations Among Visitors

Analysis of travel purposes indicates that 61.5% of visitors came to Cyprus for leisure, 21.6% visited friends or relatives, and 16.7% traveled for business. This distribution marks a modest shift from February 2025, where leisure travel stood at 60.3%, visits to friends or relatives at 20.4%, and business at 19.1%.

Surge In Outbound Travel Among Residents

Parallel to the increase in inbound tourism, outbound travel by Cypriot residents also surged. February 2026 saw 152,198 trips abroad, up from 124,232 in February 2025, representing a 22.5% growth. The predominant return destinations included Greece (30.8% or 46,902 trips), the United Kingdom (8.1% or 12,349 trips), Italy (4.2% or 6,382 trips), and Poland (4.1% or 6,287 trips).

Varied Purposes For Resident Travel

For Cypriot residents, leisure activities dominated outbound travel at 78.7%, followed by business engagements at 19.2%, academic pursuits at 1.5%, and other reasons at 0.6%. This diverse mix underscores a dynamic pattern of mobility among local travelers.

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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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