UK remains top source of tourists in Cyprus

Tourist arrivals in Cyprus rose by 13.7 per cent in May 2025, reaching a total of 479,160, compared to 421,400 in the same month last year, according to the state statistical service.

For the period from January to May 2025, total tourist arrivals stood at a whopping 1,344,486, up from 1,170,214 during the same period in 2024, marking a rise of 14.9 per cent.

The United Kingdom remained the primary source of tourism for Cyprus in May 2025, accounting for 37.4 per cent of total arrivals or 179,150 tourists.

The UK was followed by Israel with 9.4 per cent (45,249), Poland with 7.7 per cent (36,800), Germany with 6.2 per cent (29,938), Sweden with 4.8 per cent (22,924), and Greece with 3.7 per cent (17,591).

In terms of travel purpose, 81.2 per cent of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays in May 2025.

A further 11.1 per cent travelled to visit friends or relatives, while the remaining 7.6 per cent arrived for business purposes.

During the same month of last year, 83.7 per cent of tourists visited for holidays, 9.8 per cent visited friends or relatives, and 6.3 per cent travelled for business.

Regarding the return of residents of Cyprus from trips abroad, a total of 143,296 residents returned in May 2025 compared to 144,042 in May 2024, reflecting a decrease of 0.5 per cent.

Greece was the leading destination from which residents returned, with 28.3 per cent or 40,494 returns.

The United Kingdom followed with 8.1 per cent or 11,555 returns, while Italy accounted for 7.1 per cent, with 10,202 residents returning.

For Cypriot residents, the main purpose of travel in May 2025 was holidays, representing 66.9 per cent of trips.

Business travel accounted for 29.7 per cent, travel for studies represented 2.3 per cent, while 1.1 per cent of trips were for other reasons.

The statistical service clarified that the data refers to the number of trips, not individual persons, since one person may undertake multiple trips within the reference period.

Data were collected through the passengers survey at the Larnaca and Paphos airports, supplemented by administrative sources such as monthly port arrivals.