New data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus reveals a 10.1% slump in tourist arrivals for the first half of 2026, though June showed signs of stabilizing with a minor 1.7% year-on-year decline.

Mid-Year Arrival Downturn

A decrease of 10.1% was recorded in the first six months of 2026 as regards tourist arrivals compared to last year, according to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

In June 2026, arrivals of tourists reached 489,965, compared to 498,527 in June 2025, recording a decrease of 1.7%.

For the period of January – June 2026, arrivals of tourists totalled 1,656,015 compared to 1,843,013 in the corresponding period of 2025, recording a decrease of 10.1%.

Key Source Markets and Motivations

Arrivals from the United Kingdom were the main source of tourism for June 2026, with a share of 33.0% (161,913) of total arrivals, followed by Israel with 16.4% (80,343), Poland with 7.3% (35,871), Sweden with 5.5% (26,884) and Germany with 4.4% (21,587).

In June 2026, 81.6% of tourists travelled for holidays, 11.3% visited friends and relatives and 7.0% travelled for business purposes. In June 2025, 81.2% of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays, 13.2% visited friends or relatives and 5.6% visited Cyprus for business purposes.

Outbound Travel by Local Residents

A total of 168,953 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad in June 2026 compared to 157,324 in the corresponding month last year, recording an increase of 7.4%.

The main countries from which residents of Cyprus returned in June 2026 were Greece with a share of 35.3% (59,664), the United Kingdom with 8.3% (14,040), Italy with 6.3% (10,720) and Poland with 3.5% (5,917).

The purpose of travel for the residents of Cyprus in June 2026 was mainly holidays, with a percentage of 68.1%, whilst business reasons held a percentage of 21.7%, studies 8.9% and other reasons 1.3%.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)