Cyprus is celebrating a significant milestone in its tourism industry, having recently surpassed its previous record for German tourist arrivals. This achievement, the first in almost three decades, highlights substantial growth in visitor numbers and crucial revenue. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, has indicated that 2025 could be a truly historic year for Cypriot tourism.
The German outbound tourism market, widely recognised as the world's largest, has shown sustained interest in Cyprus. Arrivals from Germany have impressively increased by 12% compared to the previous year. Over a three-year period, this upward trend has seen arrivals escalate by an outstanding 40%. This sustained expansion is directly contributing to a significant uplift in tourism revenues, which have reportedly exceeded all previous benchmarks.
Enhanced air connectivity between Germany and Cyprus has been a key factor in this burgeoning success. Improved flight schedules and increased capacity have undoubtedly made the island more accessible. Cyprus was recently ranked first for air connectivity improvements in 2025 compared to 2024, and second for improvements between 2019 and 2025. This strategic enhancement of air travel infrastructure is vital for attracting and accommodating more international visitors.
The Deputy Minister articulated that the German market has consistently been a primary focus due to its immense significance. He stressed that concerted efforts and targeted initiatives have been instrumental in driving increased arrivals. The objective is to leverage this growing popularity to foster a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits across the island. This approach encourages visitors to explore beyond traditional hotspots and experience the full spectrum of Cyprus.
The positive impact of these developments is multifaceted, extending beyond arrival figures. Substantial growth in tourism revenue offers a vital economic boost for the island. Cyprus has distinguished itself among Mediterranean countries, ranking first in revenue increases during the first half of the year. Furthermore, the island has experienced the largest increase in overnight stays when comparing 2024 to 2023. This indicates deeper engagement and longer stays by visitors. The sustained influx of German tourists signifies a robust and promising future for Cyprus's vital tourism sector.