Nicosia: The movement of travelers to and from Cyprus in 2024 recorded an increase compared to 2023, the Statistical Service of Cyprus says, adding that total arrivals of travelers reached 6,285,427, recording an increase of 2.9%, and departures totaled 6,270,760, also recording an increase of 2.7%, compared to 2023.
According to Cyprus News Agency, air traffic accounted for 97.7% of both arrivals and departures in 2024. Tourist arrivals increased by 5.1% and reached 4,040,200 in 2024 compared to 3,845,652 in 2023. During 2024, the United Kingdom was the most important source of tourism for Cyprus with a share of 34% of the total tourist traffic, followed by Israel with 10.5%, Poland with 8.3%, Germany with 5.7%, Greece with 4.5%, and Sweden with 3.7%.
Out of the total number of tourists, 31.5% stated that they stayed in Pafos, 15.9% in Ayia Napa, 14.2% in Larnaka, 12.4% in Limassol, 11.4% in Paralimni, and smaller proportions in other areas. For a percentage of 81.1%, the purpose of their trip in 2024 was holidays, for 11.9% visit to friends and relatives, and for 6.9% business.
In 2024, revenue from tourism was estimated at £3,209.4 million, compared to £2,990.6 million in 2023, recording an increase of 7.3%. The average expenditure per person was £794.40 in 2024, recording an increase of 2.1% from 2023. The highest average expenditure per person in 2024 was recorded in the month of August with £921.59 and the lowest in the month of January with £513.32.
The trips of residents of Cyprus abroad increased by 4.4% in 2024, and reached 1,754,937 as compared to 1,680,345 in 2023. In 2024, 34.7% visited Greece, 10.5% the United Kingdom, 5.2% Italy, 3.7% Germany, 3.1% Russia, and 2.9% France. The highest number of trips for residents was recorded in the month of August, while the lowest number of trips occurred in February.
A percentage of 72.5% of the residents of Cyprus traveling abroad in 2024 stated that the main reason for traveling was holidays, 19.4% stated professional reasons, 6.8% studies, and 1.3% other purposes.