Nicosia, Cyprus. ACTTA vice president Christos Christou said tourist arrivals to Cyprus fell by 30% in March due to the war in the Middle East, warning of further declines in the coming weeks.
Flight capacity and outbound travel
Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia held in the context of the Travel Expo Cyprus 2026 exhibition, Christou said some airlines have reduced summer flights as a result of developments in the Middle East.
On outbound travel, he said interest among Cypriots for summer bookings is currently increasing.
“There was a freeze initially, but in recent days, and particularly now with the exhibition, we expect interest to grow further and anticipate that all the seats we have secured will be filled,” he said.
Christou said bookings declined at the onset of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran, particularly after the fall of an Iranian drone in the British Bases in Akrotiri.
Inbound tourism performance
Turning to inbound tourism, Christou said incoming tourism is currently suffering.
“In March, a 30 per cent decrease was recorded compared to the 10 per cent increase that had been expected before the war,” he said.
He added that the first half of April performed relatively well due to the timing of Catholic and Orthodox Easter.
“The second half of April shows a significant decrease, the same applies to May and certainly this year’s season will be considerably affected,” he said.
Travel Expo Cyprus 2026
Christou said TRAVEL EXPO CYPRUS 2026 will take place from April 17 to 19, 2026 at the State Fair grounds in Nicosia.
How do you expect the situation in the Middle East to affect your travel plans this year?
