Cyprus tourism sector reports partial recovery for August

Tourism in Cyprus is showing signs of stabilization during the peak of the summer season, with coastal areas such as Ayia Napa and Protaras experiencing high occupancy rates. Despite initial concerns caused by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East and a slow start in the spring, last-minute bookings have significantly contributed to recovering lost ground. While tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates generally remain slightly below 2025 levels, officials describe the current momentum as satisfactory.

Industry representatives report varying performance metrics across the country. Larnaca, which was particularly affected by regional instability, faces a roughly 15% decline in occupancy for July and August compared to last year. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis highlighted that June saw only a minor 1.7% decrease in arrivals, and July passenger figures showed a 0.7% decline compared to the previous year, yet represented a 9.7% increase over 2024. Despite these challenges, new agreements with UK operators like TUI UK and Jet2 are expected to bolster the market. Stakeholders are now waiting for final year-end data to assess the full impact on profitability, as the industry continues to navigate a climate of ongoing uncertainty.