Cyprus has proposed a tourism budget of €59.4 million for 2027, with approximately 62% of the funds earmarked for destination promotion and enrichment of the tourism product, the Cyprus Ministry of Tourism announced on October 23, 2026.
Tourism Arrivals Show Mixed Trends in 2026
The island experienced a 5.6% decline in tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, following an initial sharper drop of 17.9% in arrivals during the first four months of the year. Despite this decline, arrivals for the January to September 2026 period were 4.1% higher than the same period in 2024 and 8.5% above
2023 figures, indicating a recovery trend within the year.
Tourism Revenue Falls but Remains Above Previous Years
Tourism revenues decreased by 7% during the first seven months of 2026 compared with 2025, according to data from the Cyprus Statistical Service. However, revenue levels remained 9.2% higher than in the same period of 2024 and 13.8% above those in 2023. If 2026 revenue trends align with patterns seen in 2025, an annual decline between 3% and 4% is anticipated.
Crisis Impact and Government Response in 2026
The tourism sector in Cyprus faced an unprecedented crisis in 2026 attributed to external factors. Tens of thousands of cancellations occurred in March and April, coupled with significant booking slowdowns
and periods of booking freezes for both immediate and later travel dates. The government introduced countermeasures to address these disruptions, as explained by Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis during the presentation of the 2027 budget to the House finance committee.
Deputy Minister Koumis Comments on Recovery and Industry Challenges
Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis stated, “2026 will undoubtedly remain in the history and memory of those working in the sector as a year during which our country’s tourism industry was called upon to face an unprecedented crisis as a result of external factors.” He highlighted the recovery phase, noting, “This indicates that the tourism sector has entered a recovery
phase.” Koumis added, “I consider it very important to underline that success in tourism can never be taken for granted. This was also demonstrated this year.” He described September 2026 as the best September on record for tourist arrivals in Cyprus.
Koumis emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment: “We are continuing with the aim of ensuring that tourism continues in 2027 to generate benefits for our country’s economy, tourism businesses and, certainly, local communities.” The largest share of the 2027 budget will support promotional activities, participation in tourism fairs, and efforts to enhance Cyprus’ tourism product to solidify the recovery.
