Travel by Cyprus residents to destinations abroad is continuing to rise, with the sector largely unaffected by geopolitical tensions and on course to record more than 2 million trips for the first time.
Recent data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus show significant increases in outbound travel during June and July, while industry representatives expect August to close with positive results as well.
Strong summer growth
Haris Papacharalambous, president of the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourist Agents (ACTTA), told Politis that overseas travel by Cypriots has not been significantly affected by the current geopolitical situation, apart from a decline of 8.8% in March.
"April and May showed stabilisation, as indicated by the Statistical Service data, while June recorded an increase of 7.4% and July 12.3%," he said.
According to figures released by the Statistical Service:
- Overseas trips by Cyprus residents reached 210,047 in July 2026, compared with 186,987 in July 2025.
- In June 2026, overseas trips totalled 168,953, compared with 157,324 in June 2025.
- In May 2026, overseas trips stood at 140,892, compared with 143,296 in May 2025, representing a 1.7% decline.
Papacharalambous said current trends suggest that August will also end on a positive note.
"The data so far indicate that August will close positively and the indications are that, for the first time, the year will end with more than 2 million trips."
Favourite destinations
According to Papacharalambous, the most popular destinations for Cypriot travellers remain:
- Greece
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Poland
- Germany
Travel now seen as a necessity
Dinos Kakkouras, chief executive of Top Kinisis, told Politis that travel is no longer considered a luxury by Cypriots.
"Cypriots work throughout the year. They need time to rest and return refreshed," he said.
According to Kakkouras, travellers choose destinations based on their needs and budgets.
"They may choose closer destinations for shorter trips, more distant destinations or trips of a longer duration."
He noted that Greece remains by far the most popular destination, particularly during the summer months, followed by several European countries.
Some travellers also opt for destinations in the United States and Far East, while cruises continue to attract significant interest.
Why Cypriots travelled abroad
Statistical Service data show that the main countries from which Cyprus residents returned in July 2026 were:
- Greece: 38.5% (80,775 travellers)
- United Kingdom: 7.1% (14,832)
- Italy: 6.0% (12,545)
- Poland: 3.5% (7,412)
- Germany: 3.5% (7,330)
The primary purpose of travel was:
- Holidays: 75.2%
- Business: 13.7%
- Studies: 10.3%
- Other reasons: 0.7%
