Cyprus has opened its doors to visitors from 90 countries by implementing a visa-free entry policy, making the island a more accessible and attractive destination for a wide range of travelers. This strategic move not only simplifies travel procedures for international tourists but also showcases Cyprus’s commitment to welcoming global visitors and fostering tourism growth.
The island caters extensively to diverse travel interests, offering a blend of luxury, business, and leisure options. For those seeking opulent experiences, Cyprus boasts lavish accommodations and gourmet dining experiences. Business travelers can leverage modern facilities and robust infrastructure that support conferences and corporate engagements. Meanwhile, leisure travelers are spoilt for choice with attractions like the sun-drenched beaches of Ayia Napa, the historical riches of Paphos, and the scenic Troodos Mountains.
This strategic decision to allow visa-free access has already yielded positive results. From January to November 2023, Cyprus witnessed a significant surge in tourism with 3,722,022 tourists visiting the island, indicating a 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. The United Kingdom emerged as the primary source of tourists, accounting for 26.8% of visitors in November 2023.
The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) reported a continued upward trend in tourist arrivals in the early months of 2024, with a 1.7% increase in the first four months compared to the same period last year. Notably, the UK continued to top the list in April 2024, contributing 35.3% of all tourist arrivals. Israel and Poland also played significant roles, contributing 10.7% and 7.6% of tourist arrivals respectively.
The majority of tourists, 82.1%, visited Cyprus for holidays, marking an increase from the previous year’s 79.3%. There was also a notable uptick in business trips, which accounted for 8.3% of visits, compared to 6% in April 2023.
Cyprus’s welcoming approach to international travelers is further highlighted by its diverse and well-connected airport infrastructure. Larnaca International Airport, the main international gateway, experienced record passenger traffic in 2023, handling 8,074,183 passengers, representing a 33.74% increase from the previous year.
Paphos International Airport serves tourists heading to the island’s western regions and is favored by holidaymakers due to its connections with numerous low-cost carriers. Ercan International Airport, located in Northern Cyprus, primarily operates flights to and from Turkey.
Nicosia International Airport, located within the UN buffer zone that divides the Greek and Turkish Cypriot territories, is no longer operational. These diverse airports play crucial roles in connecting Cyprus with the global community, enhancing both its tourism appeal and business connectivity.
The hotel industry in Cyprus is experiencing a trajectory of growth, with revenues projected to reach US$76.03 million in 2024. The sector is poised to grow at an annual rate of 8.20% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a market volume of US$104.20 million by 2028. The number of users engaging with the hotels market is forecasted to reach approximately 260.40k by 2028, indicating the expanding popularity and demand for quality accommodation in the region.
This combination of visa-free entry, diverse attractions, robust infrastructure, and a thriving hotel industry has solidified Cyprus’s position as a premier Mediterranean destination appealing to every type of traveler. Whether seeking luxury, business opportunities, or leisure adventures, Cyprus offers a welcoming and enriching experience.
