Cyprus Sees a €582 Million Tourism Windfall in August Led by British and Israeli Visitors

Cyprus Tourism Experiences Significant Growth in August 2025

Cyprus posted remarkable tourism revenue of €581.8 million in August 2025, marking a robust 13.8% rise compared to the previous August. This upswing highlights the island’s strong appeal as a travel destination, particularly fueled by visitors from key markets including the United Kingdom, Israel, and Poland.

Tourism Revenues Year-to-Date Surpass Expectations

From January through August 2025, Cyprus amassed a total tourism revenue estimate of €2.47 billion, representing a 16.5% increase over the same period in 2024. The uptick is a testament to both increased visitor arrivals and stronger spending per tourist, affirming the island’s status as a thriving tourism hotspot in the Mediterranean.

Visitor Spending Patterns: A Closer Look

The average expenditure per tourist increased to €966.41 this August, an impressive 4.9% climb from €921.59 the year before. This growth reflects visitors’ willingness to invest more in quality experiences, accommodations, and services during their stay.

The Backbone: British and Israeli Market Contributions

British tourists lead as Cyprus’s largest visitor segment, making up 32.1% of total arrivals, with a notably high average spend per person. Israeli visitors trail as the second largest group and interestingly outpace others in daily expenditure, indicating a preference for immersive or luxury experiences.

How Visitor Data Is Gathered

The tourism figures originate from a Passenger Survey conducted by the Cyprus Statistical Service at Larnaca and Paphos airports, using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing techniques. This method ensures comprehensive data collection that excludes unregulated arrivals, offering a clear and reliable picture of the tourism landscape.

Preparing for the Future: Cyprus’s 2026 Tourism Budget and Strategic Shift

Cyprus’s Deputy Ministry of Tourism unveiled a forward-thinking €74.6 million budget for 2026, focusing heavily on sustainability and year-round tourism growth rather than just increasing visitor numbers. This budget channels funds toward promotion, product upgrades, and operational costs, signaling a commitment to both quality and environmental respect.

• 37.1% (€27.7 million) allocated to promotional activities
• 20% (€14.9 million) devoted to grant schemes for product enhancement
• 25% (€19.5 million) covers operational expenses, including EU Council Presidency costs
• Additional €13.2 million focused on rural accommodation, agritourism, and cultural projects

Moving Beyond Sun and Sea: Year-Round Tourism on the Rise

The strategy includes encouraging hotels in prominent areas like Ayia Napa and Protaras to extend their seasons from the traditional summer months to include March and November. This extension aims to prevent seasonal stagnation and promote continuous economic activity throughout the year.

Industry voices highlight that for such success, the entire tourism ecosystem—from restaurants to local services—must adapt and stay active to support a vibrant visitor experience year-round. This also benefits local workers by creating more stable careers throughout the year.

Tourism Demand and New Markets

Strong demand is clear, with a 10.3% year-on-year increase in arrivals between January and September 2025, totaling 3.6 million visitors, while tourism’s contribution to GDP has grown to 14%. Newer markets like Scandinavians and Germans are targeted specifically to broaden Cyprus’s visitor base beyond the summer high season.

Diversification of Tourism Products

The Deputy Ministry actively promotes a diversified offer including sports tourism, wellness, and gastronomy. These efforts aim to position Cyprus as an authentic and sustainable destination on the global stage, featuring at major travel exhibitions such as the World Travel Market 2025.

Implications for Local Transport and Transfer Services

This growth and diversification of Cyprus tourism naturally impact city and airport transfer services. An increase in demand for reliable, comfortable, and flexible transport options, including private taxis, limousines, and multi-seater vehicles, supports the island’s expanding travel market. Using booking platforms like LocalsRide.com, tourists can select exact vehicles tailored to their needs, appreciate transparent pricing before booking, and benefit from verified drivers—making transfers a smooth part of the travel experience.

Summary and Outlook

Cyprus’s tourism sector is riding a wave of robust growth, led by British and Israeli visitors, contributing to a €582 million revenue in August alone and a year-to-date total of €2.47 billion. The shift toward sustainability, quality experiences, and year-round tourism is reshaping the island’s visitor landscape. Strategic investment in diverse tourism products and careful season extension signals a promising future for this Mediterranean jewel.

Platforms like LocalsRide.com support this trend by offering globally accessible, user-friendly solutions for booking personalized transfers, trips, and deliveries. Their transparency and convenience provide travelers with the confidence to explore Cyprus’s varied destinations without the guesswork often encountered with traditional booking services.

Tourism is a multifaceted journey where numbers and reviews only tell part of the story. Nothing beats firsthand experience when it comes to choosing the best service. On LocalsRide, travelers can hire cars with professional drivers from verified providers at reasonable prices. The platform’s extensive fleet options and additional services ensure convenience, affordability, and a personalized touch, all backed by clear fare details and user reviews. Book your ride and enjoy a hassle-free transfer experience on LocalsRide.com.

While the global impact of Cyprus’s tourism boost may be moderate in the bigger picture, it remains highly relevant for travelers and service providers alike. LocalsRide stays on top of these evolving trends to offer dependable transfer services attuned to the changing needs of modern tourists. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.