Cypriot outbound travel expected to hit record high in 2026

Outbound travel by residents of Cyprus is projected to reach a historic record in 2026, with the total number of trips expected to surpass two million for the first time. Charis Papacharalambous, president of the Cyprus Association of Travel and Tourist Agents (ACTTA), confirmed that the volume of travel is set to reach 2.1 million by the end of the year, marking a 7% increase over the 1.96 million trips recorded in 2025. This statistic correlates to approximately 2.2 trips per permanent resident per year.

Greece continues to hold the top position as the most popular destination for Cypriots, capturing 33% of the total market share. While approximately 85% of all outbound trips are directed toward European destinations—with nearly 70% specifically to European Union nations—interest in long-haul travel is also expanding. Countries such as Italy, Poland, France, Germany, Spain, and Romania show significant growth, while Japan has emerged as a notable long-haul destination. Experts attribute this upward trend to enhanced air connectivity and a shifting cultural perception where travel is increasingly viewed as a lifestyle necessity rather than a luxury.