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Cyprus Tourism Adjusts Expectations Amid Shifting International Flows

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 12, 2026

As early June unfolds, Cyprus is witnessing a gradual upswing in tourist arrivals. Industry experts caution that while the increase could help narrow the gap with last year’s figures, overall numbers are unlikely to recover to previous levels fully.

Resurgence In Israeli Tourism

One of the key markets for Cyprus remains Israel. Following the incident at the British Bases in March, arrivals from Israel, traditionally among the island’s highest-spending visitors, declined noticeably. Recent figures from Hermes Airports, however, point to a recovery. On Tuesday, 13 flights from Israel arrived at Larnaca Airport and six at Paphos Airport. Wednesday’s schedule included 14 arrivals at Larnaca and seven at Paphos.

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Impact Of Geopolitical And Seasonal Dynamics

The increase in flights coincides with the start of the summer season and a period of relative calm in the region. Although isolated ceasefire violations have been reported in recent days, tensions remain lower than during the initial phase of the conflict.

Economic Implications And Industry Projections

Speaking to the Financial Mirror, Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA) President Haris Papacharalambous said the recent increase in Israeli arrivals is linked primarily to regional developments rather than seasonal factors. Papacharalambous estimated that tourist arrivals could end the year around 13% below 2025 levels, resulting in losses of approximately €700 million for the tourism sector and the wider economy.

Media Influence And Future Outlook

Papacharalambous also argued that extensive media coverage of negative events, including the drone incident at the British Bases, contributed to cancellations and prompted some travellers to choose alternative destinations. According to him, once a market is lost, reversing cancellations and restoring visitor confidence becomes significantly more difficult. He said the industry should focus on rebuilding demand ahead of the remainder of the season.

British Tourist Market Strength

Cyprus also continues to see strong demand from the United Kingdom. According to Hermes Airports, Tuesday recorded 12 arrivals from England at both Larnaca and Paphos airports. Wednesday’s schedule increased to 14 flights to Larnaca and 19 to Paphos. Figures relating only to flights from England highlight the importance of the British market, particularly for Paphos, where a growing number of visitors have developed long-term ties to the region, including through permanent relocation and property ownership.

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Cyprus Promotes Ship Registry In Asia As Fleet Grows To 25-Year High

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 19, 2026

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract international shipowners, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis holding high-level meetings in China and Japan as the country’s ship register reaches its strongest level in 25 years.

Running from October 14 to 29, the Asian mission focuses on expanding commercial ties, promoting the advantages of the Cyprus flag and strengthening cooperation with shipowners, shipbuilders and maritime authorities.

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China Meetings Target Shipowners And Industry Leaders

In Shanghai, Hadjimanolis met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, ahead of the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21. Organisers expect around 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, with discussions covering international shipping, maritime safety, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the transition to cleaner fuels.

The minister also met representatives of Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc. to present the Cyprus registry’s advantages and explore registration opportunities for vessel owners. On October 20, she is scheduled to speak at the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong, joining a ministerial roundtable on international maritime leadership.

A visit to Zhoushan is also planned for the naming ceremony of Kypros Island, a new vessel for the Cyprus register owned by Safe Bulkers. Launched in June at the Tsuneishi shipyard on Xiushan Island, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier is scheduled for delivery at the end of October. According to the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration, sea trials were due to take place between October 11 and 16.

Japan Engagements Strengthen Maritime Ties

Before travelling to China, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, in Tokyo on October 16. Her programme also included meetings with senior representatives of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, ITOCHU Corporation and SSY Projects, focusing on cooperation with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and shipping operators.

At the 5th Annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, held at the Tokyo American Club, Hadjimanolis discussed maritime leadership, competitiveness, policy and international cooperation with Capital Link founder and president Nicolas Bornozis. Other sessions examined Japan’s shipbuilding strategy, new-vessel financing and the development of ammonia-powered ships.

The Tokyo programme followed a Cyprus Ship Registry reception on October 15 for representatives of Japan’s maritime and business communities. Hadjimanolis outlined the country’s shipping services and regulatory framework, while Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, delivered the opening remarks.

Registry Reaches Highest Level In 25 Years

At the reception, Hadjimanolis said the Cyprus Ship Registry had grown by 27% since September 2023, reaching its highest level in a quarter of a century. She attributed the expansion to efforts to improve competitiveness, simplify administrative procedures and provide more responsive services to international shipowners.

Cyprus’s inclusion on the White Lists of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding was another point highlighted by the minister. These lists reflect the safety and inspection performance of ships flying a national flag.

Existing commercial links with Japan include Safe Bulkers’ announcement in May of four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

South Korea Next On The Maritime Agenda

Hadjimanolis’ mission will continue in South Korea, where she is expected to attend the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week alongside International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and government representatives from several countries.

Her programme will also include discussions on implementing international maritime conventions and bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s shipping ties with South Korea.

The Asian outreach comes as maritime centres compete for shipowners amid geopolitical uncertainty, fleet renewal and pressure to reduce shipping emissions. For Cyprus, the strategy combines promotion of its registry with closer relationships across Asia’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.