UK leads as top source of tourists to Cyprus

Tourist arrivals in Cyprus displayed a slight yet steady increase in June 2024, recording a 5.5 per cent rise to 482,261 compared to 456,985 in the previous year, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat). This upward trend is also reflected in the first half of the year, with arrivals from January to June 2024 showing a 2.4 per cent increase, reaching 1,652,475, up from 1,613,690 during the same period in 2023.

The United Kingdom continues to be the primary source of tourists, contributing 35.6 per cent of the total arrivals in June 2024, which equates to 171,704 visitors. Other significant contributors include Israel, accounting for 10.7 per cent (51,814 tourists), Poland with 7.5 per cent (36,202 tourists), Sweden with 4.9 per cent (23,639 tourists), and Germany at 4.5 per cent (21,552 tourists).

The majority of tourists, 83.4 per cent, visited Cyprus for holidays in June 2024, which shows a slight increase from 81.7 per cent in June 2023. Visits to friends or relatives accounted for 10.5 per cent, while business travel made up 5.9 per cent of the total travel purpose. In comparison, the previous year saw 12.6 per cent travelling to visit friends or relatives and 5.5 per cent travelling for business.

On the domestic front, there has been a slight decline in the number of Cyprus residents travelling abroad. In June 2024, the number stood at 136,739, down 1.3 per cent from 138,588 in June 2023. Greece remains the most popular destination, accounting for 37.5 per cent of trips (51,260 residents), followed by the UK with 11.9 per cent (16,311 residents), and Italy with 4.9 per cent (6,641 residents).

The primary reason for travel among Cyprus residents in June 2024 was for holidays, which accounted for 64.6 per cent of trips. Business-related travels were significant as well, comprising 24.2 per cent, while 10.1 per cent of trips were for educational purposes, and a mere 1.1 per cent for other reasons.