Tourist arrivals reached 581,880 in August 2026, compared with 602,026 in August 2025, marking a 3.3% decline from the record year.
Compared with August 2024, however, arrivals increased by 4.9%, according to data from the Statistical Service.
For January to August 2026, total tourist arrivals stood at 2,820,649, down 7% from 3,034,155 recorded during the same period in 2025.
UK remains top source market
The United Kingdom remained the main source of tourism in August, accounting for 30.5% of total arrivals, or 177,603 visitors.
Israel followed with 23.3% and 135,628 arrivals, while Poland accounted for 6.3% with 36,622 visitors.
Germany contributed 4.4% of arrivals, or 25,823 visitors, while Sweden accounted for 3%, with 17,441 arrivals.
Holidays remain main travel purpose
Holidays remained the main reason for visiting Cyprus in August 2026, accounting for 84.5% of tourist arrivals.
A further 13% came to visit friends or relatives, while 2.4% travelled for business purposes.
In August 2025, holidays accounted for 86.5% of arrivals, visits to friends or relatives for 11.4%, and business travel for 2.1%.
Cyprus residents’ overseas trips edge higher
Meanwhile, trips abroad by Cyprus residents reached 239,337 in August 2026, compared with 238,740 in August 2025, representing an increase of 0.3%.
Greece was by far the main destination, accounting for 36.6% of trips, or 87,684 returns.
The UK followed with 6.9% and 16,448 trips, while Italy accounted for 4.6%, Poland for 4.3% and Russia for 4.2%.
Holidays accounted for 93.1% of trips abroad by Cyprus residents in August. Business travel represented 5.9%, studies 0.8% and other reasons 0.2%.
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