So far, the data shows that tourism is on a positive trajectory, with British and Israeli tourists being the main contributors. Not only has tourism withstood challenges, but hotel owners are also pleased with the bookings and the influx of tourists in August, with hotel occupancy rates reaching near 100% in many cases.

The geopolitical developments and uncertainty from the war in Gaza do not seem to have impacted tourism. In fact, Israel was the second-largest source of tourists after the United Kingdom. According to data from the Statistical Service, tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 reached 2,203,704 compared to 2,137,408 in the same period in 2023, marking an increase of 3.1%.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom were the main source of tourism for July 2024, accounting for 33.9% (186,751) of total arrivals, while arrivals from Israel accounted for 12.9% (71,238), from Poland 6.4% (35,456), from Sweden 4.3% (23,511), and from Germany 3.8% (20,726).

The General Director of PASYXE, Philokypros Rousounidis, mentioned that this year seems to reflect last year, which also saw very positive levels. 

Although hotel arrivals and bookings are satisfactory, there has been a decrease in overnight stays. This reduction is attributed to the rise of Airbnb bookings, the occupied territories, and the economic downturn, which forces many to shorten their vacations.

Regarding occupancy rates, according to local PASYXE data, in August, the Famagusta region saw occupancy rates between 85% and 95%, in Larnaca between 80% and 85%, and in Paphos at similar levels to 2023.