Protras. Photo: Passsportnews Cyprus Keeps Soaring.
The neighboring island, which in recent years has established itself as one of the most popular destinations for Israeli tourists—with hundreds of thousands of visitors annually—is seeing yet another significant surge in demand, including new flights from Haifa, and will feature a particularly strong presence at the upcoming international tourism fair. “Israel is a strategically important source market for us,” emphasizes the Cyprus Tourism Organization – and the numbers speak for themselves.
The demand for Cyprus among Israeli travelers continues to grow steadily—and the data clearly reflects this trend:
Demand for the island among Israelis has been soaring for three consecutive years:
2023: 410,607 tourists from Israel – a 48% increase compared to 2022
2024: 425,606 tourists – an additional 3.7% rise
2025 (January–March): 71,251 tourists – an 82.4% jump compared to the same period last year
Since 2022, Israel has become the second-largest source market for incoming tourism to Cyprus – an impressive figure that points to a long-term trend.
Limassol/ Photo: ShutterstockGeographic proximity, a strong sense of personal safety, warm Cypriot hospitality, and a wide range of attractions and infrastructure – all these have made Cyprus a leading destination for both short and long vacations, family getaways or romantic escapes, throughout all seasons of the year.
Cyprus offers beautiful beaches, high-quality hotels, fine local cuisine, rich culture, and a vibrant nightlife – and this winning combination has turned it into one of the most beloved destinations among Israelis.
Cyprus is now a regular feature in the top 10 of Israelis’ favorite destinations and continues to maintain its spot at the top year after year.
The growing demand has led to a significant increase in available flights from Israel:
The main airlines operating between Israel and Cyprus include El Al (via its subsidiary Sundor), Arkia, Israir, Cyprus Airways, TUS, Aegean, Blue Bird, Ryanair, and Hungarian carrier Wizz Air.
New for 2025: Direct flights from Haifa Airport with Air Haifa
Currently, there are more than 110 weekly flights to Larnaca and Paphos (note: flights to Paphos are suspended until June 1, 2025) – and this number is expected to increase even further in the upcoming summer season.
קפריסין. צילום: shutterstockAs reported by PassportNews, Hermes Airports, which operates Cyprus's two main airports—Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO)—has published its summer 2025 flight schedule, revealing a new record in the number of destinations, airlines, and available seats.
According to forecasts, over 11 million passengers are expected to pass through the island’s airports this summer, marking a 7% increase in available seats compared to summer 2024 – a figure that highlights Cyprus's growing strength as a tourism destination and central aviation hub in the region.
The Cyprus Tourism Organization also reports a strong presence at the IMTM Tourism Fair in Tel Aviv – with a large pavilion hosting 13 Cypriot companies, including hoteliers, travel agents, and airlines.
More than 20 tourism professionals from Cyprus are expected to arrive in Israel to meet with partners and industry stakeholders.
Louisa Varaklas, Director of the Cyprus Tourism Office in Israel – who is leading the unprecedented surge in Israeli tourism to Cyprus – told PassportNews:
“I invite all our partners in Israel and the Israeli public to visit our pavilion, meet with the senior professionals who are coming especially from Cyprus to meet their Israeli counterparts and the Israeli audience, and to strengthen the fruitful cooperation between our countries,” she said.
Louisa Varaklas, Director of the Cyprus Tourism Office in Israel, with the Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, Costas Komis. Photo: PassportNews
