The Cyprus Tourism Department announced a €59.4 million budget for the tourism sector in 2027, with approximately 62% allocated to destination promotion and enhancement of tourism products. The budget presentation to the House Finance Committee took place on October 23, 2026, delivered by Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis. Koumis described 2026 as an unprecedented crisis year for Cyprus tourism due to external factors disrupting the sector.
Tourism Arrivals and Revenue Trends in 2026
Tourist arrivals in the first nine months of 2026 declined by 5.6% compared with the same period in 2025, recovering from a steep 17.9% drop recorded during the first four months of the
year. Despite this yearly decline, arrivals were 4.1% higher than in 2024 and 8.5% above 2023 figures for the same nine-month period. September 2026 marked the highest recorded tourist arrivals for that month in Cyprus.
Tourism revenue data from the Cyprus Statistical Service showed a 7% decrease for the first seven months of 2026 compared to 2025. However, tourism income remained 9.2% higher than in 2024 and 13.8% higher than 2023 during the same timeframe. The annual revenue outcome depends on performance in the last months of 2026, with expectations of a limited 3-4% decline relative to 2025.
Government Measures and Official Statements
Kostas Koumis
indicated the sector faced massive challenges in 2026 due to external factors that caused numerous cancellations and booking freezes, particularly in March and April. The government implemented interventions to mitigate these impacts. Koumis said, “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 acknowledged the recovery phase indicated by improvements later in 2026 and said, “Under the circumstances, this would be a very satisfactory performance.” Koumis emphasized that success in
tourism cannot be assumed, stating, “I consider it very important to underline that success in tourism can never be taken for granted. This was also demonstrated this year.” He added the government will maintain efforts to ensure tourism continues generating economic benefits in 2027 for the country, businesses, and local communities.
Traveler Impact in Early 2026
Early 2026 saw tens of thousands of cancellations in March and April. Booking activity slowed considerably and froze at times for both immediate travel and later periods within the year. This sharp decline in bookings contributed to the steep drop in arrivals during the year’s opening months before recovery
efforts took effect.
