The wedding tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, overcoming the setbacks caused by the pandemic, as record-breaking ceremonies are projected to take place in Cyprus this year, potentially exceeding the remarkable milestone of 10,000.

Distinguished guests from the Arabian Gulf are opting for the opulence of Cyprus to host their extravagant nuptial ceremonies. Sheikhs and other millionaires from prominent regions such as the UAE (Dubai), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and beyond, are selecting luxurious hotels on the island for their wedding ceremonies. Their lavish events, spanning several days, leave no expense spared, injecting millions of euros into the local economy. This growing trend shows no signs of abating, and both the Ministry of Tourism and industry professionals, including hoteliers, travel agents, and wedding planners, recognize the immense potential and substantial revenue streams that lie within this market.

The significance of wedding tourism to Cyprus cannot be overstated, as it continues to yield impressive outcomes in terms of both the sheer number of ceremonies hosted and the resulting financial gains. On an annual basis, the wedding tourism sector is estimated to contribute over 120 million euros to the Cypriot economy, positioning it as a cornerstone of the country's specialized tourism offerings. Notably, the constant increase of these extravagant weddings is expected to significantly amplify this already substantial economic impact.

The perpetually increasing interest in wedding tourism brings about a sense of optimism not only to the Ministry of Tourism and local authorities but also to the enterprises involved in orchestrating these joyous occasions for visiting couples. Projections for 2023 indicate a remarkable surge, with the number of weddings surpassing the 10,000 mark, primarily driven by an influx of couples from the United Kingdom.

Analyzing data gathered by Brief from the Ministry of Tourism, civil marriage figures for foreign nationals across all municipalities in the Republic of Cyprus over the past five years are as follows:

• 2018: 8,368
• 2019: 8,481
• 2020: 754 (a notable dip due to the pandemic)
• 2021: 4,137
• 2022: 5,931

With the majority of ceremonies taking place between April and September, there is evident potential for extending the wedding season beyond the traditional peak months. Recognizing this opportunity, the Ministry of Tourism is proactively working towards diversifying and prolonging the wedding season.

Remarkably, each wedding ceremony draws between 50 and 100 attendees to Cyprus, who reside on the island for several days. Collaborating closely with hotels and other tourism stakeholders, the Ministry actively promotes supplementary activities and experiences for the esteemed guests, fostering positive outcomes for numerous local businesses.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, the primary source countries for civil weddings, based on information from Municipal Authorities, are ranked as follows: United Kingdom, Russia (until early 2022), Israel, Poland, Lebanon, Dubai (expats, luxury destination weddings and events), Jordan, Hungary, the Baltic countries, Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Scandinavian countries. The markets of the United States and France are also experiencing growth, as Cyprus emerges as a strong contender in this field.

Cyprus holds a prominent position among competitive European and Mediterranean destinations when it comes to the number of wedding licenses issued. According to information from Travel Organizers, it is considered one of the top choices for wedding destinations in the Mediterranean region. The allure of Cyprus lies in its captivating natural landscapes, renowned beaches, ideal weather conditions, and comparatively lower costs of organizing weddings.

The prospects for further development in this specialized market are quite promising. Several factors contribute to this optimistic outlook, including the ease and efficiency of obtaining marriage licenses, a wide array of wedding venues beyond traditional Municipal Halls, favorable climatic conditions throughout most of the year, lower overall costs for organizing ceremonies (approximately one-third of the expenses incurred in the United Kingdom), and the possibility for couples and their guests to combine their wedding celebration with a vacation.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, recently achieved a significant milestone by simplifying the required freedom certificates for British citizens. This simplification eliminates the risk of canceling or replacing civil ceremonies with symbolic weddings, a phenomenon that occurred during the past seven months while the aforementioned certificate was still in effect. The positive response to this development from industry professionals is a testament to the serious challenges it has resolved.

Looking ahead, the global wedding tourism market, encompassing various romantic experiences such as church and civil weddings, ceremonies, anniversary celebrations, hens/bachelor parties, vow renewals, cohabitation agreements, marriage proposals/engagements, honeymoons, and romantic getaways, is poised for substantial growth on a global scale. According to reputable sources such as Future Market Insights and Mintel, the industry's value was estimated to exceed €21.5 billion in 2021. Furthermore, projections indicate that this figure will surpass an impressive €250 billion by 2031.