UK STILL THE BIGGEST TOURIST MARKET
A STRONG INCREASE IN NUMBERS
Tourism in Cyprus has seen a strong increase in 2024 with tourist arrivals in Cyprus reaching just under 3 million so far this year. This increase constitutes a 2.5% increase from the same period last year. Approximately 500,000 tourists arrived in June alone making it one of the most popular months for visitors for the first time. August still remains the most popular month recording just over 550,000 arrivals to the island, which is an 8.5% increase from August last year.
NEW ROUTES
Cyprus constantly seeks new direct flight routes from several other countries from all over the world. The Ministry of Tourism offers several incentives directly to national airline carriers to increase projected airport traffic, which is still significantly below pre-pandemic peaks of 2019. The Ministry of Tourism has been working hard intending to increase air traffic to the island by the end of the year.
BRITISH AIRWAYS
The United Kingdom still accounts for the largest source of tourists, accounting for just under 40% of all arrivals. This is partly due to the fact that British Airways expanded their flight schedules to the island for the 2024 main tourist season. The national carrier’s Gatwick to Larnaca routes are now permanent, increasing the island’s air connectivity to the United Kingdom and British Airways are currently seeking ways to introduce new direct routes from other parts of the United Kingdom.
NUMBERS ON TARGET
The increases in passengers arriving and departing from both of Cyprus’s international airports are on target to beat beat previous records. June, July & August have been particularly strong months, marking an increase from the previous year. This means that pre-set targets to increase numbers are acheivable if current trends continue, despite some adverse conditions and a challenging start to the year. It is also noted that the new direct routes have attracted an increase in travel of Cypriots choosing to holiday abroad.
