**May Arrivals Indicate Recovery in Cyprus Tourism, Says Koumis**
Cyprus’ tourism sector is showing signs of recovery following a challenging spring, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis. On Wednesday, Koumis announced that tourist arrivals in May reached approximately 455,000, reflecting a 4.9 percent decrease compared to the same month in 2025. However, this figure represents an 8.1 percent increase when compared to May 2024, suggesting a positive trend in the tourism industry.
The latest data from the Statistical Service (Cystat) indicates that for the first five months of 2026, tourist arrivals were 13.3 percent lower than in the same period the previous year, but nearly unchanged from 2024, with only a 0.4 percent decrease noted. Koumis emphasized that these statistics confirm a gradual recovery for the tourism sector, which has faced significant disruptions in recent months.
“The announcement of the results of the Cystat for tourist arrivals for the month of May confirms the gradual recovery of the tourism sector in our country,” Koumis stated. He highlighted the importance of returning to a stable trajectory after the challenges faced in March and the subsequent weeks.
Koumis acknowledged the unprecedented difficulties that the tourism sector has encountered, citing geopolitical tensions and public discussions regarding a shortage of aviation fuel as contributing factors that added pressure to the industry. He characterized the situation as one of the most challenging in recent decades, aside from the global tourism paralysis experienced during the pandemic.
The Deputy Minister outlined the government’s commitment to protecting Cyprus’ air connectivity and maintaining long-term partnerships with key international stakeholders. He reiterated the importance of preserving the island's reputation as a safe and competitive tourist destination, which is crucial for attracting visitors.
In response to the challenges faced, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism has implemented several strategies over the past three months. These include enhancing Cyprus’ international image, bolstering its online presence in 27 countries, and hosting foreign journalists and influencers to promote the island. Additionally, the ministry has engaged in meetings, presentations, and promotional activities abroad to strengthen its outreach.
Koumis expressed confidence in the ministry's ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the difficult spring period. “We remain vigilant, continuing our actions in the coming period with undiminished intensity and with the ultimate goal of minimizing any losses in order to achieve the best possible results for the second half of the year, while simultaneously starting preparations for 2027,” he concluded.
As the tourism sector navigates through these recovery phases, the focus remains on ensuring that Cyprus remains an attractive destination for travelers, leveraging both its natural beauty and cultural heritage to draw in visitors from around the globe. The government’s proactive measures and commitment to the tourism industry will be crucial in shaping the future of Cyprus as a premier travel destination.