Nicosia: The first indications regarding Cypriot tourism for 2026 are encouraging, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said on Thursday during a press conference in Nicosia, where he presented the annual report of the Deputy Ministry's work.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Koumis highlighted that 2025 has gone down in history as the best year ever for Cyprus' tourism sector, marked by record-breaking performances. He expressed satisfaction on behalf of the Government and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
Tourist arrivals in 2025 surpassed 4.5 million visitors for the first time, showing a 12.2% increase compared to the previous year and a 41.6% rise over a three-year period. Tourism revenues for the January-November period increased by 15.3% compared to the previous year and by 51.1% over three years.
The average per capita expenditure in 2025 rose by 2.9%, reaching £822 compared to £799 the previous year, with a 6.2% increase over a three-year span, the Deputy Minister noted. Meanwhile, the average length of stay recorded a 4% decrease from the previous year, dropping from 8.6 days to 8.27 days. However, overnight stays are increasing and are expected to reach 18.5 million in 2025, compared to 17.9 million in 2024, representing a 3.3% rise.
Koumis emphasized that the tourism sector confirmed its leading role as a strategic pillar of growth and resilience for the Cypriot economy in 2025. Despite ongoing challenges, the sector's contribution to GDP rose to 14%, up from 13.1% the previous year. Over the three years from 2023 to 2025, tourism revenues reached a record £9.9 billion.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the desire to maintain these high performances while facing new challenges, notably climate change. The goal for 2026 is to maintain high performance levels and continuously improve the visitor experience by upgrading services. Investments in green and digital transitions are ongoing.
Koumis also touched upon Cyprus' role in the EU, noting that the Deputy Ministry uses established policy frameworks to lay the foundations for a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable European Tourism Ecosystem.
Guided by the National Tourism Strategy 2035, Cyprus aims to design tourism for the next decade with a focus on sustainable development, education, and enhancing tourist experiences.
Assessing the course of Cypriot tourism in 2026, Koumis mentioned an 8.5% increase in arrivals for January and anticipated a clearer picture post the Berlin International Tourism Fair. He noted that the summer season has reached its peak, with efforts now focused on increasing winter season arrivals, a challenging task given the country's lesser attractiveness compared to summer.