Tourist arrivals in Cyprus reached 581,880 in August 2026, marking a 3.3% decline from 602,026 arrivals in August 2025, according to data published by the Cyprus government on September 17, 2026. From January to August 2026, total tourist arrivals were 2,820,649, down 7.0% from 3,034,155 during the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, the number of Cypriot residents returning from trips abroad increased marginally by 0.3% to 239,337 in August 2026, compared to 238,740 in August 2025.
Top Source Countries and Tourist Travel Purposes
The United Kingdom remained the largest source of tourists to Cyprus in August 2026, accounting for 30.5% of total arrivals with 177,603 visitors. Israel
followed with 23.3% of arrivals (135,628), while Poland contributed 6.3% (36,622), Germany 4.4% (25,823), and Sweden 3.0% (17,441). Holidaymakers represented the majority of visitors, comprising 84.5% of arrivals, down from 86.5% in August 2025. Visitors coming to see friends and relatives accounted for 13.0%, up from 11.4%, and business travelers represented 2.4%, an increase from 2.1% the previous year.
Resident Returns from Abroad and Purposes of Travel
Among Cypriot residents returning in August 2026, Greece was the top destination from which residents came back, accounting for 36.6% of returns or 87,684 individuals. Other key countries included the United Kingdom (6.9%, 16,448), Italy (4.6%, 11,054), Poland (4.3%, 10,408), and
Russia (4.2%, 10,021). Travel purposes for returning residents were predominantly holidays at 93.1%, followed by business at 5.9%. Studies accounted for 0.8% of travel and other reasons for 0.2% in the same month.
Data Collection and Definitions
The figures are based on passenger surveys conducted at Larnaka and Pafos airports, supplemented by administrative data from monthly arrivals at government-controlled ports. Tourists are defined as visitors staying at least one night in Cyprus, with arrivals counted as individual trips rather than persons, allowing for multiple visits per traveller. Residents include persons who have lived or intended to live in Cyprus for a minimum of 12
months prior to travel.
Methodology and Data Coverage
Statistical weighting was performed using data provided by the Civil Aviation Department, ship manifests supplied by the Analysis and Statistics Office of the Cyprus Police, and passenger surveys. The data excludes any travellers entering or exiting illegally through ports or airports in the occupied areas of Cyprus. These sources ensure coverage of all passengers passing passport control within the government-controlled zones.
