The year 2025 will go down in the history of Cyprus as one of the most successful years for the tourism industry.
Not only did the island experience record growth in guest numbers, but it also posted new numbers for the first time in nearly three decades in one of Europe's most important markets: Germany.
Speaking at the Christmas market in Statos Agios Fotios in Paphos, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis noted that Germany is traditionally considered the largest outbound tourism market in the world. At the same time, for Cyprus, the German direction remained relatively modest for a long time - the best result was recorded back in 1997 and amounted to about 250 thousand arrivals. In 2025, this record was confidently surpassed, which became a symbol of a new stage in the development of the country’s tourism strategy.
One of the key drivers of growth has been the marked increase in air traffic between Germany and both international airports in Cyprus. This has not only made travel easier, but also made the island more accessible to German travelers, who, according to Koumis, are actively exploring different regions of the country rather than limiting themselves to one resort.
An important priority for the authorities has become the even distribution of tourist flows throughout the island - from the coast to the mountain villages. This approach helps develop local businesses and create a sustainable economy not only in large resort areas, but also in lesser-known destinations.
Statistics confirm success: in 2025, tourist flows increased by 12% compared to the previous year and immediately by 40% over the past three years. Tourism revenues have surpassed all previous levels, allowing the industry to strengthen its financial stability.
According to Aviation Council International, Cyprus ranked first in Europe in terms of the rate of improvement in air services in 2025 relative to 2024, and second in terms of the growth dynamics of air services in the period from 2019 to 2025. Among Mediterranean countries, the island also led the way in tourism revenue growth in the first half of the year and showed the largest increase in the number of overnight stays in hotels and apartments compared to the previous year.
Concluding his speech, Kumis emphasized that for the government, the key result of the year was not only record statistics, but also the real strengthening of business in the tourism sector - 2025 gave companies a solid economic basis for further development.
Source: cyprus-mail.com
