Tourist arrivals in Cyprus saw a stable and slightly increased trend in May 2024 compared to May 2023, with key markets not recording significant losses. At the same time there was a significant 13.8% rise in outbound trips by Cypriot residents.

According to the latest data from the Cyprus Statistical Service, tourist arrivals in May 2024 reached 421,400 compared to 420,076 in May 2023, marking a 0.3% increase.

From January to May 2024, tourist arrivals reached 1,170,214 compared to 1,156,705 during the same period in 2023, recording a 1.2% increase.

The United Kingdom remained the primary source of tourism for May 2024, accounting for 39.8% (167,696) of total arrivals. Israel followed with 7.9% (33,138), Poland with 7.6% (31,849), Germany with 6.4% (27,081), and Sweden with 4.8% (20,103).

Compared to May 2023, arrivals increased from the UK by 13,899, Germany by 1,165, and Poland by 1,012. However, arrivals from Israel decreased by 4,304, and from Sweden by 1,734.

In May 2024, 83.7% of visitors visited Cyprus for holidays, 9.8% to visit friends or relatives, and 6.3% for business purposes. In May 2023, 82.1% visited for holidays, 11.3% to see friends or relatives, and 6.5% for business.

Increase in travel by Cypriot residents

A total number of 144.042 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad in May 2024 compared to 126.583 in the corresponding month last year, recording an increase of 13,8%.

Based on data from the Cyprus Statistical Service, the main countries visited by Cypriot residents in May 2024 were Greece (32.8%, 47,291), the United Kingdom (9.9%, 14,226), and Italy (6.0%, 8,660).

In May 2024, the primary purpose of travel for Cypriot residents was holidays (75.7%), followed by business (17.8%), studies (5.0%), and other reasons (1.5%).