Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis confirmed on 29 June that tourism revenue fell 35.1 % year-on-year in April to €197.5 million as travellers avoided the Eastern Mediterranean during the recent flare-up between Iran-backed militias and Israel. Flight cancellations, negative news coverage and what the minister called a “jet-fuel crisis” reduced flight schedules into Larnaca and Paphos, while average daily spending slid 14 %. Britons—Cyprus’ biggest market—still accounted for almost 40 % of arrivals, but UK visitor numbers were down 22 % compared with April 2025. The ministry responded by hosting foreign journalists and social-media influencers to counter safety concerns and by offering marketing grants to tour operators willing to maintain capacity. Although May and early June show signs of recovery, the data illustrate how geopolitical risk in neighbouring regions can rapidly undercut Cyprus’ visitor economy. Global mobility and corporate-travel teams should brace for higher airfares into Cyprus over the peak summer season as airlines hedge fuel costs and recalibrate route profitability. Firms sending staff to Cyprus for projects may also find hotel inventory looser than last year, creating bargaining power on long-stay rates. The ministry is lobbying Brussels for temporary state-aid flexibilities so hotels can retain workers hired during last year’s record-breaking season. If approved, the measures could stabilise service levels for MICE events and expatriate relocations scheduled for autumn 2026.
Source: Cyprus Mail
