Tourist arrivals to Cyprus drop 30 per cent — travel agents warn of further decline

Association of Cyprus Travel & Tourism Agents (ACTTA) vice president Christos Christou on Wednesday said that tourist arrivals to Cyprus fell by 30 per cent in March due to the war in the Middle East, while warning of further declines in the coming weeks.

Speaking during a press conference in Nicosia, held in the context of the Travel Expo Cyprus 2026 exhibition, Christou said that some airlines have reduced summer flights as a result of the ongoing developments in the Middle East.

Referring to outbound travel, he said that interest among Cypriots for summer bookings is currently increasing.

“There was a freeze initially, but in recent days, and particularly now with the exhibition, we expect interest to grow further and anticipate that all the seats we have secured will be filled,” he said.

He explained that bookings declined at the onset of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran, particularly after the fall of an Iranian drone in the British Bases in Akrotiri.

Turning to inbound tourism, Christou stressed that incoming tourism is currently suffering.

“In March, a 30 per cent decrease was recorded compared to the 10 per cent increase that had been expected before the war,” he said.

He added that the first half of April performed relatively well due to the timing of Catholic and Orthodox Easter.

“The second half of April shows a significant decrease, the same applies to May and certainly this year’s season will be considerably affected,” he said.

Referring to the exhibition, Christou said that TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2026 will take place from April 17 to 19, 2026 at the State Fair grounds in Nicosia.

He added that the event will include participation from Cyprus and abroad, with a strong presence of organisations and a wide range of travel options covering every need.

“Our goal is clear, to inspire the public to travel, to discover and to take advantage of the offers that will be presented at the exhibition,” he said.

Tourism deputy ministry representative Maria Socratous said that the exhibition “remains the only tourism exhibition held in Cyprus”.

She added that “it continues to be upgraded with the participation of international exhibitors“.

Moreover, she stated that it also promotes modern and innovative forms of tourism, including special interest sectors.

“The promotion of special interest tourism is fully aligned with the goals set by the deputy ministry of tourism and the related actions we implement,” she said.

She added that visitors will have the opportunity to learn about cultural, sports, and gastronomic tourism, as well as opportunities for domestic travel.

Socratous also said that the deputy ministry’s pavilion will once again host regional tourism development companies and the Cyprus Agrotourism Company.

Greek National Tourism Organisation director in Cyprus Athena Sfakouri said that Greece and Cyprus share strong tourism ties that go beyond simple cooperation.

She pointed out that Cyprus recorded around 4.5 million tourists in 2025, while Greece exceeded 36 million.

She added that more than 500,000 Cypriots travel to Greece each year, with this trend continuing to grow across Europe.

At the same time, she said that air connectivity between the two countries remains strong, with frequent daily flights operated by three airlines.

She also mentioned that ferry links between Greece and Cyprus are also gradually strengthening.

“It offers an alternative, particularly attractive form of transport, contributing to the further development of tourism and strengthening the connectivity between the two countries,” she said.

Sfakouri said that the Greek National Tourism Organisation is working systematically through its Cyprus office to further strengthen this relationship through promotional actions and cooperation.

She also acknowledged that geopolitical developments in the Middle East pose challenges, but stressed that both Greece and Cyprus remain stable and safe destinations.

Responding to a question about Greek tourists visiting Cyprus, she said that their numbers are steadily increasing.

“These figures can certainly increase if a framework is prepared to cultivate the interest of Greeks who can visit Cyprus, because, let’s be honest, the product is competitive between the two countries,” she said.

She expressed confidence that arrivals from Greece could rise significantly if further cooperation is developed in air or sea connectivity.

“There is willingness from the Greek ministry of tourism in this direction,” she concluded.