Cyprus recorded 489,965 total tourist arrivals in June 2026, down 1.7% from 498,527 in June 2025, while arrivals in the first half of 2026 reached 1,656,015, a 10.1% decline compared to 1,843,013 in the same period of 2025, according to data released by CySTAT. Compared with 2024, June arrivals increased by 1.6% from 482,261, and arrivals in the first six months rose by 1.65% from 1,652,475.
Israeli Tourism Surge Mitigates Decline
Israeli tourist arrivals to Cyprus more than doubled in June 2026, reaching 80,343 compared to 30,246 in June 2025. Arrivals from Israel for the first half of 2026 totaled 192,037, a decrease from 210,220
in the same period in 2025. The significant increase in June arrivals from Israel helped limit the overall losses in tourism amid regional tensions in the Middle East, according to www.cbn.com.cy.
Visitor Numbers from Other Key Markets
The United Kingdom remained Cyprus’ largest tourism market despite a 13.8% decline in arrivals during the first half of 2026, with 539,415 visitors compared to 626,004 in 2025. Poland saw an increase of 4.8%, with 165,731 arrivals in H1 2026, up from 158,208 in 2025. Germany’s arrivals fell 6.9% to 106,537 versus 114,485 the previous year. Greece recorded a 7.5% drop, with 78,811 tourists in the first half of
2026 compared to 85,224 in 2025. Sweden arrivals declined about 3%, from 66,394 in 2025 to 64,391 in 2026.
Other significant markets included Romania with 35,418 arrivals, Austria with 28,519, Hungary with 23,494, and France with 22,970 visitors in the first six months of 2026.
Official Statements and Statistical Reporting
Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said the tourism figures confirm Cyprus’ travel sector has returned to a stable trajectory, adding that June’s performance was satisfactory given the circumstances. The Deputy Ministry relied on statistics compiled by CySTAT, Cyprus’ official national statistics authority, for the arrival data.
Tourism Recovery Amid Regional Challenges
The rebound in Israeli tourist arrivals played a
critical role in cushioning Cyprus’ overall tourism decline during the first half of 2026, amid ongoing regional challenges affecting the Middle East. Officials attribute the increase to resumed travel and stronger demand from Israeli visitors, which kept total arrivals near 2024 levels despite a 10.1% drop against 2025.
