Overseas journeys are heading for a record 2.1 million, with Greece still our favourite escape and Japan quickly climbing the travel list.
For an island that requires a plane or boat to get almost anywhere, Cyprus residents certainly are not letting geography keep them at home.
Trips abroad are expected to reach a record 2.1 million in 2026, crossing the two-million mark for the first time and working out at roughly 2.2 journeys for every permanent resident.
For now, however, one trend is clear: whatever uncertainty may be affecting the world, Cyprus residents are still packing their bags, and in record numbers.
The estimate represents a 7% increase from the 1.96 million trips recorded last year, according to Haris Papacharalambous, president of the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents.
The figures suggest that travel is becoming less of an occasional luxury and more of a regular part of life in Cyprus. Whether it is a weekend in Athens, a summer break in an Italian city or a carefully planned long-haul adventure, the suitcase is increasingly becoming another household essential.
Better air connections are playing a major role. Although new routes and additional flights are largely introduced to bring tourists to Cyprus, they also give residents more destinations, greater flexibility and, in some cases, more competitive fares.
Greece remains the undisputed favourite
Europe accounts for about 85% of all trips made by Cyprus residents, including travel to the United Kingdom. Nearly 70% of journeys are to EU countries.
Greece remains comfortably in first place, attracting about one in every three trips from Cyprus. Familiarity, family connections, language, frequent flights and the promise of everything from Athens shopping to island hopping make it difficult to beat.
Italy, Poland, France and Germany are also among the leading choices, while Spain, Romania and Poland have recorded particularly strong growth.
But Cyprus travellers are also looking farther afield.
Japan has steadily climbed the wish lists of local travellers over the past two to three years, particularly among older adults and families with teenage or grown-up children. The destination requires more planning, and a rather healthier travel budget than a weekend in Thessaloniki, but its culture, food and completely different experience appear to be winning people over.
The United States is also attracting growing interest, while Thailand is making a comeback after losing some of its appeal during the past couple of years.
More Israelis, fewer British visitors
While Cyprus residents are travelling abroad in record numbers, the picture for tourists coming to the island is more complicated.
July arrivals were close to last year’s levels, but important European markets continue to lag. Changes to airline schedules following regional disruption in March, along with financial pressure in several countries, have affected demand.
The British market, traditionally Cyprus’ largest, was close to last July’s performance during the month itself. However, arrivals from Britain are still about 11% lower for the year so far. Visitors from EU countries are down by approximately 9.5%.
Israel has helped make up some of the difference. Cyprus received an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 more Israeli visitors over the past two months than during the same period last year, with arrivals in June rising by around 165%.
But a higher number of arrivals does not automatically mean more nights in hotels, restaurants or tourist apartments. Israeli visitors generally stay for shorter periods than the average European tourist, meaning total overnight stays may have fallen more sharply than the headline arrival figures suggest.
The winter tourism problem remains
Cyprus has spent years talking about becoming a year-round destination, yet winter tourism remains the industry’s unfinished business.
Papacharalambous said efforts are being made, but they remain sporadic and lack the long-term planning needed to persuade airlines, hotels and other tourism businesses to invest with confidence.
Businesses being asked to stay open, add flights or develop winter experiences need to know that the plan will last longer than one season.
Predicting what 2027 will bring is even more difficult. Cyprus remains exposed to geopolitical developments across the region, which can rapidly change airline schedules and travelers' confidence.
For now, however, one trend is clear: whatever uncertainty may be affecting the world, Cyprus residents are still packing their bags, and in record numbers.
