Cyprus Market Outlook 2025

Cyprus has kicked off 2025 with a record-breaking performance in tourism, setting the stage for what could be one of its strongest years ever.

Strong First Half Momentum

Between January and June 2025, Cyprus welcomed 1.84 million visitors, an impressive +11.5% increase compared to last year. The UK, Israel, the U.S., and the Netherlands led this growth, helping the island achieve one of the best performances in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This strong start is more than just numbers—it provides a solid platform for autumn and winter campaigns.

What's Ahead for Autumn and Winter

Forecasts based on hotel demand intelligence show that arrivals could climb another 13% in the second half of 2025. Key opportunities include:

• Israel & Netherlands – showing exceptional growth potential.
• Germany & Austria – strong demand in October.
• Greece & Russia – solid prospects for winter travel.

By focusing on these markets — and timing campaigns to when travellers search: UK vs Cyprus planning cycles — Cyprus can extend its season beyond the summer peak.

The New Traveller Profile

One of the most interesting shifts this year is how people plan their trips. Traditional Google searches for travel dipped by 8%, but this doesn't mean interest is fading. Instead, travelers are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity to plan their holidays.

At the same time, visitors are:

• Booking earlier (62% start planning at least one month ahead).
• Staying longer (more travelers booking 8+ nights).
• Spending more deliberately, seeking high-value experiences.

Digital & Booking Trends

Booking.com (+3.7%) and Expedia (+22.3%) continue to dominate online bookings.

Tripadvisor has surged (+45.6%) as the go-to research hub.

Meanwhile, smaller platforms like Trivago and Kayak are losing ground.

For hoteliers and tourism businesses, this means partnerships with OTAs and AI-driven platforms are more important than ever. It also helps explain fewer searches, more tourists: the Cyprus demand paradox — discovery keeps drifting away from plain Google search while arrivals climb.

Cyprus vs. Competitors

In H1 2025, Cyprus grew faster than Greece, Turkey, and Malta, achieving an 11.5% increase in arrivals compared to their 2–4% range. Relative positions move fast, though — a year later that ordering had reversed into Cyprus vs Greece demand intelligence: two opposite summers. Challenges also remain:

• Germany – Turkey is winning the digital battle.
• France – Greece dominates visibility.
• UK – search interest is declining across the board.

Still, Cyprus maintains a clear lead in Israel, one of its most loyal and fastest-growing markets.

Final Thoughts

2025 is shaping up to be a record year for Cyprus tourism. With strong arrivals, new digital dynamics, and untapped opportunities in autumn and winter markets, the island is well-positioned to extend its appeal beyond the summer months.

For hotels, destinations, and tourism businesses, the message is clear: adapt to the new AI-driven planning era, strengthen OTA partnerships, and target off-peak opportunities to make the most of this momentum.