Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ tourism sector posted a record year in 2025, with its share of GDP rising to 14 per cent from 13.1 per cent, Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said on Thursday. He said the industry demonstrated resilience despite continuous challenges and an ever-changing international environment.
Annual report and sector performance
Presenting the Deputy Ministry’s annual report, Koumis said the sector reinforced its position as a key driver of economic growth.
Tourist arrivals surpassed 4.5 million for the first time, rising 12.2 per cent year-on-year and 41.6 per cent over three years.
Revenues and spending indicators
Revenues increased 15.3 per cent year-on-year in the January–November period and rose 51.1 per cent over three years.
Total revenues for 2023–2025 reached €9.9 billion, capping what Koumis described as a historic cycle for the sector.
Average per visitor expenditure rose to €822 from €799 a year earlier, up 2.9 per cent, while daily spending climbed 7.2 per cent to €99.5.
Overnight stays and length of stay
The average length of stay declined 4 per cent to 8.27 days, while preliminary estimates indicate overnight stays are expected to reach 18.5 million, up 3.3 per cent from 2024.
Contribution to economic growth and next steps
Koumis said tourism performance helped underpin overall economic growth, estimated at 3.75 per cent in 2025, compared with a Eurozone average of 1.5 per cent.
Looking back at the 2022–2025 period, Koumis said the primary objective had been to restore tourism to high performance following the losses of 2022, adding that with the target achieved, the sector should place greater weight on quality and the overall visitor experience.
What do you think should be prioritised next in Cyprus’ tourism strategy: visitor experience or higher arrival numbers?
