Cyprus tourism reports May decline with signs of stabilization

Cyprus tourist arrivals reached 455,680 in May 2026, representing a 4.9% decline compared to May 2025. This marks the third consecutive month of decline, though the rate of decrease is slowing. For the first five months of 2026, total arrivals were 1,166,050, down 13.3% from the same period in 2025. The United Kingdom remained the primary source market with 165,600 visitors, followed by Israel with 53,649, which saw a significant rebound after a sharp drop in March. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis described the May figures as a return to a stable trajectory following disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and local concerns regarding aviation fuel. Meanwhile, Thanos Michaelides, chairman of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association, noted that while June hotel occupancy improved compared to the spring months, it remains significantly below the typical 90% levels seen in previous years. Regional variations persist, with Paphos reporting 70% occupancy and Famagusta 60%, whereas Limassol maintains relative strength due to business tourism and limited supply.