Nicosia: A new all-time high is anticipated for outbound travel by residents of Cyprus in 2026, as projections indicate the total will surpass two million trips for the first time. This equates to approximately 2.2 trips per permanent resident annually, with Greece continuing to be the preferred destination, capturing 33% of the travel share. Japan is also emerging as a favored long-haul destination among Cypriots.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Charis Papacharalambous, President of the Cyprus Association of Travel and Tourist Agents (ACTTA), disclosed the expected growth in travel, estimating a 7% increase from Cyprus. By the end of the year, trips are projected to reach 2.1 million, up from 1.96 million in 2025. He emphasized that traveling is increasingly seen as a necessity rather than a luxury, attributing the rise to enhanced air connectivity offering more travel options for Cypriots.
A significant majority, 85%, of trips by Cypriot residents are to European destinations, including the United Kingdom, with nearly 70% targeting European Union countries. Besides Greece, Italy, Poland, France, and Germany are popular among travelers. Destinations like Spain, Romania, and Poland have shown notable increases in interest. Meanwhile, there's growing curiosity about farther destinations such as the United States and Japan, with the latter gaining popularity over the past few years among older individuals and families with older children. Thailand is also witnessing a resurgence in interest after a lull.
Papacharalambous also addressed the current state of inbound tourism, noting that July arrivals were similar to last year's figures, but varied significantly between different markets. While European markets are underperforming, partly due to changes in flight schedules and economic factors, the British market has seen an 11% drop compared to the same time last year. Conversely, the Israeli market has surged, with a 165% increase in June, although this has not necessarily resulted in more overnight stays due to the shorter average duration of visits by Israeli tourists.
The challenge of enhancing winter tourism remains a priority for Cyprus. Papacharalambous highlighted the need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to effectively advance winter tourism, stressing the importance of ensuring stability and confidence for investors in the tourism sector. He also mentioned that the unpredictable geopolitical climate in the region makes it difficult to forecast tourism trends for 2027.