**Roadmap in Hand, Government Prolongs Cyprus’ Tourist Season**
The Cypriot government is actively implementing a strategic roadmap established in 2025 aimed at transforming Cyprus into a year-round tourist destination. President Nikos Christodoulides shared these insights during the annual meeting of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association (Pasyxe) on Tuesday, emphasizing the government's commitment to diversifying tourism offerings and promoting the island's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local communities.
According to President Christodoulides, tourism's contribution to Cyprus' economy has seen a notable increase, rising from 12.8% in 2023 to 14% in 2025. This growth is underscored by a significant surge in tourist arrivals, which have risen by 41.6% since 2022. The revenue generated from tourism has also experienced a remarkable boost, increasing by 51.5% during the same timeframe. The year 2025 marked a record for the sector, with 4.5 million arrivals and €3.7 billion in revenue attributed to tourism activities.
Christodoulides attributed this success to a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, which has led to crucial enhancements in air connectivity and strengthened relationships with strategic international partners. Notably, the government is currently focusing on establishing direct flights to India, while flights to Kazakhstan have recently commenced.
Despite a promising start to 2026, the tourism sector faced challenges due to regional crises that impacted traveler confidence. In response, the government is taking measures to restore a sense of safety for visitors. Christodoulides reassured stakeholders that the losses incurred during the early months of the year remain manageable, thanks in part to a responsible fiscal policy that has enabled targeted support for hoteliers.
One of the government’s immediate objectives is to extend the tourist season through November to mitigate losses experienced in March and April. This initiative reflects the administration's understanding of the dynamic nature of tourism and its reliance on strategic decisions and policies.
Highlighting Pasyxe's significant 90-year contribution to the tourism sector and the broader economy, Christodoulides acknowledged the association's role in adapting to ongoing changes and challenges within the industry. He noted that while external factors will continue to influence tourism, the development of the sector is equally determined by the choices and policies implemented by the government and industry stakeholders.
The president reiterated the importance of tourism as a foundational pillar of Cyprus' economy, contributing significantly to economic activity and employment. He also commended Pasyxe for its support during Cyprus' EU presidency earlier in the year, recognizing the hotel industry's capacity to deliver high-quality services and infrastructure.
As the government continues to execute its roadmap, the focus remains on enhancing Cyprus' appeal as a diverse tourist destination, ensuring that both local communities and the economy benefit from the growth of this vital sector.