Cyprus recorded 582,754 tourist arrivals in July, just 1.1% fewer than the 589,116 visitors recorded in the same month last year, according to figures from the Statistical Service (Cystat). The latest total was also 5.7% higher than in July 2024.

For the first seven months of 2026, however, arrivals reached 2,238,769, an 8% decline from 2,432,129 a year earlier. The gap has narrowed from 10.1% at the end of June, when the monthly decline stood at 1.7%.

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Israel Becomes A Major Source Of Growth

The UK remained Cyprus’ largest tourism market in July, with 185,981 visitors, accounting for 31.9% of arrivals. British tourism was down 2% year on year.

Israel, meanwhile, recorded a sharp increase. Arrivals rose 55.8% to 119,293, giving the market a 20.5% share and making it the main factor limiting the overall July decline.

Poland remained third despite a 15.6% drop to 36,912 visitors. Germany followed with 21,338, down 9.9%, while arrivals from Sweden and Denmark also declined.

Norway was another exception, with arrivals increasing 10.6% to 14,055. Romania, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, the Netherlands and Lebanon all recorded declines.

France saw the steepest fall among the listed markets, with arrivals dropping 46.3% to 6,797.

Uneven Demand Across Tourist Districts

The differences between markets are also being reflected across Cyprus. Famagusta hoteliers reported strong demand from the UK, Israel, Poland, Scandinavia and Central Europe, while Switzerland and the Netherlands were weaker, partly because of reduced summer flight availability.

In Paphos, hotel occupancy is expected to reach 85-90% in August, with Israel potentially becoming the district’s second-largest market after Britain.

Holidays accounted for 85.2% of July arrivals, while 11.7% visited friends or relatives and 3% travelled for business.

Airport Traffic And Outbound Travel

The trend was also visible in airport traffic, which fell just 1% in July. More than 1.63 million passengers passed through Larnaca and Paphos airports, bringing the seven-month decline to 3.7%.

At the same time, more Cypriot residents travelled abroad. A total of 210,047 returned from overseas trips in July, up 12.3% from a year earlier.

Greece remained the leading destination, accounting for 38.5% of returning residents, followed by the UK at 7.1% and Italy at 6%. Poland and Germany each accounted for about 3.5%.

Holidays made up 75.2% of residents’ trips, followed by business travel at 13.7% and studies at 10.3%.