Cyprus and Israel have solidified their tourism partnership amid high-level discussions held in Israel during the International Tourism Fair IMTM. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis met with Tourism Minister Haim Katz to explore avenues for expanding visitor arrivals and deepening bilateral cooperation in the travel sector.

Expanding Tourism Horizons

During the visit, Koumis presented plans to further support winter arrivals and promote niche tourism segments. Meetings with industry partners highlighted the continued importance of the Israeli market, which remains one of the key contributors to Cyprus’ tourism performance.

Impressive Growth Metrics

The figures reflect this momentum. In 2025, arrivals from Israel exceeded 588,000 visitors, making Israel the second-largest tourism market for Cyprus after the United Kingdom. This represents a 38.4% increase compared to 2024 and more than 112% growth over the past three years.

Average visitor spending also rose to €682 per trip, up 2.9% year-on-year and 13.4% over three years, highlighting the tangible economic contribution of Israeli tourism to Cyprus.

Strengthening Strategic Ties

Koumis noted that the Israeli market remains a priority due to its rapid development and strong potential for diversification. Talks focused not only on short-term opportunities but also on long-term cooperation, particularly in winter tourism and special interest travel. The aim is to maintain steady growth and reduce seasonality in arrivals.

High-Profile Engagements

The visit also included meetings with prominent figures, among them the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, as well as several media appearances. These engagements underscored both the diplomatic and cultural dimension of the trip, reinforcing broader ties beyond tourism alone.