By newsroom

Copyright philenews

Cyprus recorded a record high of 602,026 tourist arrivals in August 2025, the highest monthly figure since statistical records began in 1976, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

The August figure represents an 8.5% increase compared to 554,923 arrivals in August 2024. For the January-August period, tourist arrivals reached 3.034 million, marking a significant 10% rise or 275,528 additional visitors compared to the same period in 2024.

The previous monthly record was set in July 2025 with 589,116 arrivals, demonstrating the island’s continued appeal as a Mediterranean destination during peak summer months.

UK remains largest source market with 32.1% share

United Kingdom visitors dominated arrivals in August 2025, accounting for 32.1% of total arrivals with 193,091 visitors, maintaining their position as Cyprus’s primary tourism market.

Israeli tourists represented the second-largest group with 17.5% share, totalling 105,597 arrivals. Polish visitors accounted for 7.0% with 41,844 arrivals, followed by German tourists at 4.6% with 27,665 visitors.

Swedish tourists comprised 3.1% of arrivals with 18,636 visitors, whilst Romanian tourists accounted for 3.0% with 18,300 arrivals, highlighting the diversified nature of Cyprus’s tourism markets.

January-August arrivals up 10% year-on-year

Holiday purposes dominated travel motivations, with 86.5% of August 2025 visitors citing leisure as their primary reason for visiting Cyprus. Visiting friends or relatives accounted for 11.4% of arrivals, whilst business travel represented 2.1%.

These proportions remained relatively stable compared to August 2024, when 87.3% visited for holidays, 10.2% to see friends or family, and 2.5% for business purposes.

The consistent high proportion of leisure visitors underscores Cyprus’s position as a premier holiday destination in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Cyprus residents’ overseas travel surges 23.9%

Cypriot residents’ overseas travel increased substantially, with 238,740 departures in August 2025 compared to 192,756 in August 2024, representing a 23.9% rise.

Greece remained the top destination for Cypriot travellers, accounting for 33.1% of trips with 78,915 visits. The United Kingdom attracted 6.8% of Cypriot travellers with 16,197 visits, followed by Russia with 5.1% and 12,084 visits, and Italy with 5.0% and 11,824 visits.

Holiday travel dominated Cypriot residents’ overseas trips at 91.6%, with business purposes accounting for 6.7%, studies 1.3%, and other reasons 0.4%.