**Cyprus Sees Decline in Tourist Arrivals, UK Remains Leading Market**
Cyprus has reported a notable decrease in tourist arrivals, with May 2026 figures showing a 4.9 percent decline compared to the same month in the previous year. According to the latest data from the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), the island welcomed 455,680 visitors in May 2026, down from 479,160 in May 2025. This trend reflects a broader slowdown in the tourism sector, which had previously experienced robust growth.
For the first five months of 2026, total tourist arrivals reached 1,166,050, marking a significant year-on-year decline of 13.3 percent from the 1,344,486 visitors recorded during the same period in 2025. The reduction in visitor numbers has raised concerns among stakeholders in the tourism industry, as the sector plays a critical role in the Cypriot economy.
The United Kingdom continues to be the most significant source of tourists for Cyprus. In May 2026, British visitors accounted for 36.3 percent of total arrivals, translating to approximately 165,600 tourists. Following the UK, Israel ranked as the second-largest market, contributing 11.8 percent of arrivals, or 53,649 visitors. Poland was the third-largest source of tourists, with 8.2 percent, equivalent to 37,307 visitors, while Germany and Sweden rounded out the top five, representing 6.3 percent (28,546 visitors) and 4.9 percent (22,111 visitors) of total arrivals, respectively.
The reasons for travel to Cyprus have also shifted slightly. The majority of visitors, 75.9 percent, traveled for holiday purposes, a decrease from 81.2 percent in May 2025. Additionally, 14.9 percent of tourists visited friends and relatives, while 9.2 percent traveled for business. This change in visitor motivations suggests a potential shift in the tourism landscape, with fewer individuals choosing Cyprus primarily for leisure.
In tandem with the decline in inbound tourism, Cystat reported a slight decrease in the number of Cypriot residents returning from trips abroad. In May 2026, 140,892 residents returned home, down 1.7 percent from 143,296 in May 2025. Greece remained the most popular destination for Cypriots, with 32.4 percent of returns (45,668 individuals) coming from the neighboring country. The United Kingdom followed, accounting for 8.8 percent of returns, or 12,399 residents, while Italy and Poland also featured among the top destinations for Cypriots traveling abroad.
The purpose of travel for Cypriot residents remained predominantly holiday-focused, with 71.5 percent of those returning indicating that they traveled for leisure. Business-related travel constituted 23.9 percent of trips abroad, while a smaller percentage traveled for studies (3.1 percent) or other reasons (1.4 percent).
The latest statistics reveal a dual trend of moderation in both inbound tourism and outbound travel activity. With declines noted in visitor arrivals and in the number of residents returning from overseas trips, stakeholders in Cyprus's tourism sector may need to reassess strategies to attract visitors and maintain the island's appeal as a travel destination.
As the tourism sector navigates these challenges, the continued dominance of the UK as the primary source market underscores the importance of maintaining strong connections with British travelers. Efforts to enhance the overall visitor experience and address changing travel motivations will be crucial for revitalizing the sector in the coming months.