United Kingdom Overtakes Israel, Poland, Sweden, Germany and More Source Markets to Remain Cyprus Tourism’s Top Driver as Nearly Half a Million Travellers Visit the Island in June 2026

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United Kingdom remained Cyprus tourism’s largest source market in June 2026, leading ahead of Israel, Poland, Sweden and Germany as the island welcomed 489,965 international travellers, supported by strong holiday demand.

Cyprus continued to attract strong international tourism demand in June 2026, welcoming 489,965 tourist arrivals despite a slight annual decline compared with the same month in 2025. The Mediterranean island recorded a decrease of 1.7%, with arrivals falling from 498,527 tourists in June 2025 to 489,965 in June 2026. The United Kingdom remained the largest tourism source market, while Israel recorded a significant increase, strengthening Cyprus’ position as a leading holiday destination in the Eastern Mediterranean.

During the first six months of 2026, Cyprus welcomed 1,656,015 tourist arrivals, compared with 1,843,013 arrivals during January–June 2025, representing a decrease of 10.1%. Despite the overall reduction, the destination continued to receive millions of international visitors, supported by demand from major European markets and increased arrivals from selected countries.

The latest tourism figures highlight a changing travel environment, with different source markets showing varied performance. While some European markets experienced declines, Israel and several Nordic markets demonstrated growth, reflecting shifting travel preferences, airline capacity changes and evolving holiday patterns.

United Kingdom Remains Cyprus’ Largest Tourism Market While Israel Records Strong Growth

The United Kingdom continued to dominate Cyprus tourism arrivals in June 2026, confirming its long-standing importance for the island’s travel economy. British travellers accounted for 33.0% of total tourist arrivals, representing 161,913 visitors during the month.

Israel emerged as the second-largest tourism market, contributing 16.4% of total arrivals with 80,343 visitors. The Israeli market experienced remarkable growth compared with June 2025, increasing by 165.6%. This significant rise demonstrates stronger travel connections between Israel and Cyprus and highlights growing demand for Mediterranean leisure destinations.

Poland ranked as the third-largest source market in June 2026, generating 35,871 arrivals and representing 7.3% of total tourism arrivals. Sweden followed with 26,884 visitors, accounting for 5.5%, while Germany contributed 21,587 arrivals, representing 4.4% of total visitors.

The performance of these markets reflects the diverse international appeal of Cyprus, where beach tourism, cultural experiences, historical attractions and year-round Mediterranean weather continue to attract travellers from Europe and beyond.

Tourist Arrivals by Country of Usual Residence in June 2026

Holiday Travel Continues to Dominate Cyprus Tourism Demand in 2026

Leisure tourism remained the primary reason for international visitors travelling to Cyprus in June 2026. According to tourism data, 81.6% of tourists visited Cyprus for holidays, confirming the island’s reputation as a leading Mediterranean holiday destination.

Visitors travelling to see friends and relatives represented 11.3% of arrivals, while business-related travel accounted for 7.0% of total tourist arrivals.

The tourism purpose breakdown remained largely stable compared with June 2025. In that month, holidays represented 81.2% of arrivals, visits to friends and relatives accounted for 13.2%, and business travel represented 5.6%.

The figures demonstrate that Cyprus continues to rely heavily on leisure tourism, particularly beach holidays, resort stays, cultural tourism and seasonal travel experiences. The island’s coastal destinations, historic sites and warm climate continue to attract visitors seeking relaxation and Mediterranean experiences.

Purpose of Visit by Tourists

Cyprus Tourism Faces Uneven International Market Performance During First Half of 2026

The January–June 2026 tourism performance shows that Cyprus experienced a decline compared with the previous year, with arrivals decreasing by 10.1%. Total tourist arrivals reached 1,656,015, compared with 1,843,013 during the same period in 2025.

The decline reflects changing international travel conditions, including variations in airline capacity, economic pressures, consumer spending patterns and shifts in traveller demand across different regions.

However, the island maintained strong international visibility, supported by major markets such as the United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, Sweden and Germany. The continued importance of these markets provides stability for Cyprus’ tourism sector and supports hotels, airlines, restaurants, attractions and local businesses.

The strong increase from Israel was one of the most notable developments during June 2026. With arrivals increasing from 30,246 in June 2025 to 80,343 in June 2026, Israel became a major contributor to Cyprus’ visitor growth.

At the same time, some European markets recorded declines. France decreased by 34.0%, Austria declined by 32.7%, and the Netherlands dropped by 36.3% compared with June 2025.

Cyprus Residents Increase International Travel as Outbound Tourism Strengthens

While inbound tourism experienced a slight decline, outbound travel by Cyprus residents increased significantly in June 2026.

A total of 168,953 residents of Cyprus returned from trips abroad in June 2026, compared with 157,324 in June 2025, recording an increase of 7.4%.

Greece remained the leading destination for Cyprus residents travelling abroad. Greece accounted for 35.3% of returns, representing 59,664 travellers.

The United Kingdom ranked second with 14,040 returning residents, representing 8.3% of total returns. Italy followed with 10,720 travellers, accounting for 6.3%, while Poland represented 3.5% with 5,917 returning residents.

The increase in outbound travel highlights continued confidence among Cyprus residents to travel internationally and reflects strong connectivity between Cyprus and major European destinations.

Main Countries of Return for Cyprus Residents in June 2026

Holidays Remain the Main Reason for Cyprus Residents Travelling Abroad

Holiday travel was also the leading purpose among Cyprus residents travelling internationally in June 2026.

Around 68.1% of outbound trips were made for holidays, showing strong demand for leisure travel among residents.

Business travel accounted for 21.7%, while studies represented 8.9% of international trips. Other travel purposes accounted for 1.3%.

The figures indicate that leisure travel remains the strongest driver of both inbound and outbound tourism activity connected with Cyprus.

Official Tourism Data Provides Detailed Picture of Cyprus Travel Trends

The tourism statistics are based on the Passengers Survey, which is conducted at arrival points at Larnaka and Pafos airports. Additional information is collected from administrative sources, including monthly arrivals through ports.

The data covers all persons passing through passport control at ports and airports located in the government-controlled area of Cyprus. It does not include travellers entering or leaving illegally through ports and airports located in the occupied part of Cyprus.

Tourism arrivals refer to the number of trips rather than individual travellers. This distinction is important because one person may complete multiple trips during the same reference period.

A tourist is defined as a visitor who stays for at least one night in Cyprus. Residents of Cyprus include people who have lived in Cyprus for at least twelve months or those who arrived with the intention of staying for at least twelve months before travelling.

The weighting of tourism statistics was conducted using information provided by the Civil Aviation Department, ship manifests and data from the Analysis and Statistics Office of the Cyprus Police.

Cyprus Tourism Outlook Remains Focused on International Connectivity and Market Recovery

Cyprus continues to maintain its position as one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive tourism destinations despite facing a challenging international travel environment in 2026.

The island’s strong dependence on European markets, growing Israeli demand and continued popularity among holidaymakers demonstrate the importance of maintaining global air connectivity and diversified tourism strategies.

Although total arrivals declined during the first half of 2026, the June figures show that Cyprus remains capable of attracting hundreds of thousands of international visitors during the peak summer season.

With continued demand from key markets, strong leisure tourism appeal and established international connections, Cyprus remains positioned as a major Mediterranean travel destination for global visitors seeking beaches, culture, history and year-round experiences.