Tourism Sector Flourishes With Increasing Interest From Polish Market

Cyprus is witnessing a significant boost in tourism from Poland, with growing numbers of Polish tourists bolstering the sector. The Tourism Development and Promotion Company of the Famagusta Region, in collaboration with local hotels, recently participated in a roadshow organized by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. This event, held in Warsaw, Krakow, and Katowice, aimed to strengthen existing collaborations and showcase Cyprus as an attractive year-round destination.

The strategic focus on the Polish market has yielded positive results, thanks in part to the robust connectivity between Larnaca Airport and several Polish cities through direct flights. This ease of access has been crucial in attracting Polish tourists, enhancing both summer mass tourism and niche tourism throughout the year. The increased interest from Polish tour operators indicates a growing recognition of Cyprus as a prime holiday destination.

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George Kafkalias, an official from the Famagusta Tourism Board, emphasized the potential of the Polish market to become one of the most significant sources of tourists for Cyprus. He highlighted the importance of building on the positive trends observed in recent years and continuing to invest in this market. According to Kafkalias, the connectivity between Larnaca Airport and various Polish destinations is a pivotal factor in further developing this market segment.

The efforts to tap into the Polish market are already showing promising results, with expectations that tourist arrivals from Poland in 2024 will surpass those of the previous year. This optimistic outlook is based on the increased interest from Polish tour operators and the positive feedback received during the roadshow.

The focus on promoting Cyprus’ diverse tourism offerings, including cultural experiences, natural attractions, and special interest tourism, has resonated well with Polish tourists. The emphasis on year-round tourism also aligns with the broader strategic goals of Cyprus’ tourism sector, aiming to reduce seasonality and promote sustainable tourism growth.

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Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2026

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

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Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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