Cyprus tourism sector faces challenges in first half of 2026

Cyprus experienced a challenging start to 2026, recording the largest decline in overnight tourist stays among European Union member states during the first six months of the year. According to Eurostat, the country saw a 7.7% drop in overnight stays compared to the same period in 2025, while the broader EU market saw an overall growth of 1.7%. International visitors, who accounted for 92.6% of all stays in Cyprus—the second-highest proportion in the EU after Malta—decreased by 8.2%.

Revenue data reflected these difficulties, with total tourism income for the first half of 2026 reaching €1.221 billion, down 11.4% from €1.378 billion in the first half of 2025. While June 2026 saw a marginal revenue increase of 0.2% to €423.1 million, ending a three-month downward trend, it was insufficient to offset earlier losses. Per capita spending did rise by approximately 2% in June to €863.62.

Industry analysts have raised concerns regarding the competitiveness of the Cypriot tourism product. Despite the overall downturn, the British market remained the most stable source of visitors for major resorts, particularly in Ayia Napa and Protaras, providing some relief through August. The sector now looks toward the autumn period, awaiting further data to determine if the decline will persist relative to the rest of Europe.