Cyprus has emerged as one of the standout performers in European tourism at the start of 2025, recording a 15.4 per cent increase in international arrivals compared to the same period last year.

This growth reflects a broader trend across Southern and Mediterranean Europe, where warmer climates and rising interest in off-season travel continue to draw tourists despite a backdrop of global uncertainty.

According to the latest data from the European Travel Commission, European tourism sustained strong momentum in the first quarter of 2025.

This follows a milestone year in 2024 when international arrivals across the continent officially returned to pre-pandemic levels.

In the first months of 2025, international arrivals across Europe increased by 4.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

What is more, overnight stays also saw growth, rising by 2.2 per cent year-on-year.

These gains came despite persistent global challenges, including rising geopolitical tensions and newly introduced United States tariffs.

Tourism demand remained resilient, with a clear shift toward destinations offering better value and experiences outside the traditional peak seasons.

Winter destinations proved particularly successful this quarter, with countries like Slovakia and Norway posting significant year-on-year increases.

Slovakia saw a 14.3 per cent rise in arrivals, while Norway experienced a 13.2 per cent increase, alongside a notable 15.3 per cent jump in overnight stays.

In Central and Eastern Europe, the tourism rebound continued at pace. Latvia led the region with a 27.8 per cent rise in arrivals, a performance fuelled by improved traveller confidence and enhanced air connectivity.

Elsewhere, Mediterranean countries saw strong performance during the winter months as visitors sought out destinations with milder climates.

Spain, for instance, welcomed over 10 million international arrivals in just two months.

Cyprus and Malta also benefited from the trend, with Malta registering a 12.6 per cent rise in arrivals.

Value for money remained a critical factor influencing tourist choices.

Countries like Romania, known for their affordability, capitalised on this trend, while more expensive destinations such as Iceland saw a decline in visitor numbers.

Concerns about new United States tariffs had minimal impact on transatlantic travel to Europe.

In fact, more than 80 per cent of the destinations reporting data observed year-on-year growth from American visitors during the early part of 2025.

Polish and Romanian markets drive Cyprus tourism growth

In terms of Cyprus’ tourism prospects, the island is experiencing significant growth in tourist arrivals from both Poland and Romania, with 2024 marking a record year for the Polish market.

According to Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis, over 337,000 Polish travellers visited Cyprus last year, accounting for 8.3 per cent of all tourist arrivals. This figure represents an 80 per cent increase compared to 2022.

Speaking during a promotional tour in Poland in April 2025, Koumis highlighted the strategic importance of this market, especially after the loss of other key markets due to geopolitical developments.

Polish arrivals are also showing continued growth in 2025, with early data indicating a further 10 per cent rise.

Meanwhile, […]