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In January 2026, Cyprus witnessed a remarkable surge in both tourism and revenue, with a record-breaking 8.5% increase in international arrivals. The United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Greece, Israel, and other key source markets played pivotal roles in this growth, contributing significantly to the island’s booming tourism sector. This surge can be attributed to stronger air connectivity, strategic marketing efforts, and rising interest from both traditional and emerging European markets. As a result, Cyprus is on track to achieve its best tourism performance to date, with these countries leading the charge in boosting visitor numbers and supporting the island’s economic recovery through increased tourism revenue.

United Kingdom Joins Key Global Markets in Powering Cyprus’ Tourism Boom in January 2026

In a landmark start to 2026 for Cyprus’ tourism economy, official data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus shows that visitor arrivals surged 8.5 per cent in January 2026 compared with the same month last year, as 121,625 international tourists chose the island for winter holidays, to visit family and for business travel.

This early‑year performance signals a strong rebound and continued momentum for Cyprus’ tourism industry — an economic cornerstone of the nation — building from record breaking annual figures recorded in 2025. Last year saw over 4.53 million total arrivals, marking year‑on‑year growth of 12.2 per cent, and reinforcing Cyprus’ position as a premier Mediterranean destination.

January’s representative breakdown highlights the diversity of source markets contributing to this rebound, with the United Kingdom, Poland, Israel, Greece and Germany collectively accounting for the vast majority of inbound tourism.

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Poland Takes the Lead: Largest Market Share With 18.6 per cent of January Arrivals

Poland emerged as the top source market for Cyprus tourism in January 2026, with Polish travellers representing 18.6 per cent of all tourist arrivals on the island.

This marked increase from Polish visitors — amounting to 22,575 arrivals — underscores a strategic shift in Cyprus’ market mix, extending beyond the traditionally dominant Western European sources toward Central and Eastern European demand.

The Polish contribution in January reflects wider travel patterns in the Mediterranean, where improved flight connections, competitive pricing and growing awareness of Cyprus’ winter tourism offerings have strengthened Poland’s role as a key tourism feeder.

In addition to holiday travel, Polish visitors also contribute to business and social segments, supporting year‑round occupancy in hotels and boosting revenue streams outside the peak summer season. The strong Polish presence in Cyprus in January is particularly notable given winter’s traditionally quieter travel period across Southern Europe.

Israel Makes a Major Impact With 18.1 per cent of Inbound Tourists

Close behind Poland, Israel accounted for 18.1 per cent of all tourists arriving in Cyprus in January 2026, making it the second largest source market for inbound travel during the month.

The strength of Israeli tourism reflects the geographical proximity and strong cultural and social ties between the two countries. Israelis often favour Cyprus for short‑break holidays, especially during cooler months, benefiting from frequent flight connections and year‑round mild Mediterranean weather.

At 21,981 arrivals, Israeli visitors were a critical driver of Cyprus’ early‑year tourism momentum, reinforcing Cyprus’ role as a top leisure and weekend destination for travellers from the Middle East.

The high Israeli share also supports revenue stability, as Israeli travellers traditionally include a significant proportion of leisure and visiting‑friends‑and‑relatives travel — categories that often yield strong secondary spending on accommodation, dining and local experiences.

United Kingdom Remains Essential: 15.8 per cent of Tourists in January

The United Kingdom, long recognised as Cyprus’ core tourism partner, contributed 15.8 per cent of total arrivals in January 2026, with 19,180 British tourists choosing the island for holidays and short stays.

Although the UK share in January did not exceed Poland or Israel, British visitors remain essential to the Cypriot tourism economy. The UK has historically been the largest individual source market for Cyprus, reflecting enduring cultural, business and diaspora connections.

In prior months, including November 2025, UK visitors accounted for over 22 per cent of arrivals, demonstrating the continued strength of this market across seasons.

British tourism is particularly valuable due to its year‑round nature, with UK visitors travelling consistently throughout winter, shoulder and peak seasons. This contrasts with many other European source markets that peak primarily during summer months.

Greece Contributes Nearly 10 per cent of Inbound Travel With Strong Ties

Greece — owing to close proximity, shared cultural heritage and ease of travel — contributed 9.6 per cent of Cyprus’ total foreign arrivals in January 2026, translating to 11,650 Greek visitors.

Greek travellers frequently account for one of the top market segments in Cyprus’ tourism mix. In addition to leisure travel, a significant portion of Greek visitors travel for family and VFR (visiting friends and relatives), emphasising deep social and economic linkages between the two island nations.

Greek contributions also help sustain demand on ferry and air routes, supporting regional connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean and strengthening Cyprus’ appeal as part of wider travel itineraries that may include both Greece and Cyprus.

This cross‑regional integration enhances economic benefits for both tourism industries, with Greek visitor spending supporting local businesses, hospitality services and cultural experiences across Cyprus.

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Germany’s Consistent Growth: 6.2 per cent Market Share in January 2026

Germany accounted for 6.2 per cent of total tourist arrivals in Cyprus in January 2026, with 7,504 German tourists recorded as part of the island’s diversified visitor base.

While a smaller contributor compared to the other key markets, Germany’s steady share reflects growing demand from Central Europe. German travellers, known for longer stays and higher average spending on tourism services, represent strategic potential for Cyprus’ mid‑ and long‑haul segments.

In late 2025, Germany also showed strong winter interest, with arrivals rising over 50 per cent year‑on‑year in December 2025, demonstrating expanding market interest beyond the traditional summer window.

German tourism demand is increasingly seen as complementary to other European markets, especially as flight connectivity and marketing efforts by Cyprus Tourism Organisation target increased German visitation throughout the year.

Visitor Purpose Trends: Holidays, Social Visits and Business Travel

The official statistics indicate that 60.7 per cent of tourists visited Cyprus in January 2026 for holiday purposes, underlining the island’s attraction as a leisure destination even in winter months.

A significant 22.8 per cent travelled to visit friends and relatives (VFR), reflecting the strong diaspora links with countries such as the United Kingdom and Israel.

Another 16.2 per cent of arrivals came for business reasons, showcasing Cyprus’ growing appeal as a destination for corporate travel and conferencing outside the high season.

These diverse travel purposes support greater utilisation of tourism infrastructure year‑round, benefiting hotels, event facilities, restaurants and cultural sites beyond the summer period.

Economic Implications: Job Growth, Revenue and Winter Tourism Upsurge

Tourism remains one of Cyprus’ most important economic sectors, contributing significantly to GDP and employment, and winter demand — as seen in January — fuels broader economic resilience.

In previous months of 2025, tourism revenue figures showed robust year‑on‑year increases, indicating that stronger arrivals translated into rising expenditure across accommodation, food services and activities.

Furthermore, the continued strength of markets such as the UK and Israel through winter supports destination marketing strategies focused on year‑round tourism — a key goal for expanding revenue beyond peak seasons.

Cyprus Tourism Outlook for 2026: Early Momentum Sets the Stage

With January’s 8.5 per cent increase in visitor arrivals, Cyprus has launched 2026 with positive momentum. The breadth of contributing markets — spanning Western Europe, Central Europe and the Middle East — highlights the broadening geographic appeal of the island.

Government and industry stakeholders are likely to build on this start by promoting extended‑season travel, enhancing connectivity with emerging markets and reinforcing Cyprus’ unique attractions as a cultural, leisure and business destination.

The performance from Poland, Israel, the United Kingdom, Greece and Germany in January underscores a diversified tourism mix — reducing dependence on any single market and bolstering resilience against global travel fluctuations.

In January 2026, Cyprus saw a record surge in tourism and revenue, driven by strong contributions from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Greece, Israel, and other key markets, fueled by enhanced connectivity and rising interest.

With winter showing promising signs and key events such as spring holidays and early‑season bookings already strong, 2026 could mark another record year for Cyprus tourism, amplifying economic contributions from what has become one of Europe’s most dynamic travel destinations.