The Cyprus Ministry of Tourism has set its tourism budget for 2027 at €59.4 million, with approximately 62 percent earmarked for destination promotion and enhancing the tourism product, including promotional campaigns, tourism fairs participation, and incentive programs.
Tourism Arrivals Trend and Recovery in 2026
Tourist arrivals in Cyprus fell by 5.6 percent during the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, marking a recovery from a sharper 17.9 percent decline recorded in the first four months of the year. Despite the year-on-year drop versus 2025, arrivals for the first nine months of 2026 were 4.1 percent higher than the corresponding period in
2024 and 8.5 percent above that of 2023. September 2026 was noted as the best September in Cyprus’ tourism history for visitor arrivals.
Tourism Revenue and Government Response
Tourism revenues during the first seven months of 2026 declined by 7 percent in comparison to 2025 but were still 9.2 percent higher than the same period in 2024 and 13.8 percent above 2023. The government implemented measures throughout 2026 to mitigate disruptions caused by external factors that severely impacted the sector.
2026 Tourism Crisis: Causes and Impact on Bookings
Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis described 2026 as a year of unprecedented crisis due to external factors, with tens of thousands of cancellations recorded
in March and April. During this period, travel bookings slowed significantly and went into freeze for both immediate travel and the remainder of the year, marking the most difficult timeframe for Cypriot tourism in decades.
Official Outlook and Continued Government Support
Kostas Koumis emphasized that the tourism sector has entered a recovery stage but cautioned that success cannot be assumed as the industry remains vulnerable to external disruptions. He 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.” Koumis underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring tourism continues to benefit Cyprus’ economy, businesses, and local communities into 2027.
