Cyprus achieved its highest tourism performance on record in 2025, with visitor arrivals surpassing 4.5 million and revenue rising sharply, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Koumis said arrivals reached 4.5 million, marking a 12.2 per cent increase compared with 2024 and a 41.6 per cent rise over the past three years.
Revenue growth and visitor spending
Tourism revenue for the January to November period, the latest available data, increased by 15.3 per cent year on year and by 51.1 per cent over three years. Total receipts for the 2023 to 2025 period amounted to €9.9 billion.
Average expenditure per visitor rose to €822, up from €799 in 2024. Daily spending increased by 7.2 per cent to €99.5. The average length of stay declined by 4 per cent to 8.27 days.
Preliminary figures estimate total overnight stays at 18.5 million, compared with 17.9 million in 2024.
Contribution to GDP and economic growth
Tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product rose to 14 per cent in 2025 from 13.1 per cent the previous year. Koumis stated that Cyprus’s economy is estimated to have grown by 3.75 per cent in 2025, significantly above the eurozone average of 1.5 per cent.
Cruise and agrotourism expansion
Cruise tourism more than doubled, reaching 278,000 passengers compared with 136,000 in 2024. Agrotourism also recorded growth, with arrivals at rural accommodation exceeding 90,000, representing a 3 per cent annual increase and a 40.9 per cent rise over three years.
Investment schemes and strategic planning
The deputy minister said the focus now shifts from recovery to quality enhancement. Thirteen incentive schemes were active in 2025, four of which were funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with total credits expected to reach nearly €20 million by the end of the programme.
Projects include 153 rural and mountain area revitalisation schemes with a budget of up to €7 million, as well as upgrades to 48 hotels and rural accommodation businesses valued at up to €6.9 million.
Koumis also announced the completion of an update to the National Tourism Strategy 2035 and the reopening of the tour guide school after a seven-year suspension.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, the Deputy Ministry expects Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 to bring more than 30,000 delegates, with around 250 conferences planned. The sub-ministry will coordinate hospitality and excursion arrangements.
Cyprus is also set to submit Council Conclusions on tourism in May 2026.
Memoranda of understanding on tourism cooperation have been signed with Israel and Saudi Arabia, while early indicators for 2026 are described as positive.