Protaras, Cyprus. Photo: Passportnews Cyprus welcomes record tourist numbers in October
October 2025 was historic for Cyprus: for the first time, the island surpassed half a million visitors in a single month, with 537,744. According to the Cyprus Ministry of Tourism, this is a 17.1% increase compared to October 2024 and a 34.2% increase compared to 2022.
These figures are not just positive statistics; they are a clear sign of a deep transformation taking place on the island. Cyprus, which in the past relied mostly on tourists from the UK, Scandinavia, and Israel, has become an international tourism brand attracting visitors from all over the world.
Cyprus Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis commented on the data, saying the October statistics confirmed the impressive performance of the country's tourism, particularly the significant leap in extending the season. Koumis went on to call the results the pathway to making Cyprus a year-round destination.
Indeed, the first ten months of 2025 have been the best in Cypriot tourism history, with an 11.1% increase compared to 2024 and 40.8% compared to 2022. This success is based on a broad strategic move: opening new markets in Eastern Europe, Germany, France, Arab countries, and the Gulf, developing modern tourist infrastructures in Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, and Protaras, and investing in year-round cultural, musical, and sports events.
In parallel, one of the greatest aviation transformations in the island's history is taking place. European airlines are expanding their operations at unprecedented rates. Wizz Air, for instance, operates more than 22 routes from Larnaca to major cities in Europe and will add routes to Venice later this year, and to Bosnia in 2026. Israel is another key player, with dozens of daily flights by Israir, Arkia, El Al, Air Haifa, and foreign companies.
Photo: Shutterstock. Limassol.Companies like Ryanair, EasyJet, Lufthansa, and others are also strengthening their presence on the island. The Gulf region has also entered the picture significantly: Qatar Airways operated 10 weekly flights on the Doha-Larnaca route this summer, and Saudia launched a direct route to Riyadh, a step that is part of a strategic tourism agreement between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of weekly flights now operate from Larnaca and Paphos to dozens of destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with the island's airports serving as a major regional hub.
This trend paints a clear picture: Cyprus is no longer just a seasonal holiday destination but a multi-market, lively tourist destination with demand continuing to rise. The island offers beaches, culinary experiences, nightlife, nature, spas, and family tourism, all in comfortable weather, with most of the year sunny. The Cyprus Ministry of Tourism is now aiming to make Cyprus a 12-month destination, and the 2025 data shows the island is on the right path. Cyprus is not only growing but also cementing its position as one of the most attractive and connected destinations in the Mediterranean.
Paphos. Photo: Passportnews