Breaking news

Cyprus Tourism Revenue Surges by 9.6% in June, Paving the Way for a Record-Breaking Year

Robust Monthly Performance

Cyprus recorded a significant 9.6% increase in tourism revenue for June 2025, with earnings climbing to €422.3 million from €385.2 million during the same month last year, according to data from the state statistical service, Cystat. This strong monthly performance is bolstered by a rise in average expenditure per visitor, which reached €847.01 in June 2025, up from €798.77 the previous year. Daily spending also increased, rising from €93.97 to €99.65.

Half-Year Performance and Economic Impact

The first half of the year witnessed tourism revenues reach €1.38 billion, marking a 21.3% increase compared to €1.14 billion in the January–June period of 2024. The results underscore the critical role the tourism sector plays in Cyprus’s economy, contributing substantially to employment and overall GDP. The strong performance reflects a continued recovery and momentum following the post-pandemic rebound that saw arrivals surge from 631,609 in 2020 to 2.99 million by 2023.

Visitor Spending Dynamics Across Key Markets

The United Kingdom remains Cyprus’s largest market, accounting for 36.4% of tourists in June 2025 and an average daily spend of €103.92. Other important markets include Poland, where visitors spent an average of €663.65 per person (€90.91 per day) and Israel, with daily expenditures averaging €149.44. Notably, high-spending tourists from Switzerland, Austrians, Belgian, Dutch, German, and Swedish markets further fueled the upward revenue trajectory, while Greek tourists lagged with lower per person spending at €398.38.

Diverse Demographics and Regional Trends

Across the season, the diversity of visitor markets has been a critical driver of growth. The UK continued to dominate arrivals through May, with significant contributions from Israel, Poland, Germany, Sweden, and Greece. June saw a 3.4% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. Subsequent peak season months further bolstered this trend, with July registering a 6.9% increase in arrivals, positioning Cyprus to exceed 2.4 million tourists by mid-year.

Strategies for Sustained Growth and Year-Round Appeal

Following record-breaking figures in 2024, with revenues exceeding €3.2 billion and visitor numbers surpassing four million, Cyprus is implementing strategic measures for sustainable and digitally empowered year-round tourism. Improved air connectivity, targeted promotional activities, and strategic investments in specialized tourism segments have underpinned this recovery. The updated government tourism strategy through 2035 reflects a commitment to consolidating gains amid emerging challenges such as labor shortages and competitive pressures from alternative destinations.

As the nation continues to redefine its tourism landscape, the focus remains on not only capturing peak demand but also fostering a resilient, diversified market that secures long-term economic stability.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter