Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus tourism is facing renewed pressure this year after a sharp decline in arrivals and business turnover, following earlier losses during the pandemic. Officials and business groups have linked the latest weakness to the conflict and wider uncertainty.
Tourism downturn
After the boom of 2019, when Cyprus received almost 4 million visitors, arrivals collapsed by 85 per cent in 2020 and tourism revenue fell sharply. Hotels and workers were subsidised by the government during the pandemic.
Latest figures
In March 2026, tourist arrivals were already down 31 per cent year-on-year. By April, arrivals had fallen again, and the government was subsidising hotels.
Business concerns
In early May, the small shopkeepers’ association Povek said tourist business turnover had already dropped 50 per cent because of the conflict. The group sought an urgent meeting with Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis.
Uncertain outlook
While the impact on summer tourism remains unclear, the article said visitors are not expected to return in large numbers immediately.