Another Rise in Incoming Tourism to Cyprus: More Than 10% of All Tourists Are from Israel

Data from the Cyprus Ministry of Tourism, published today (Wednesday), emphasize Cyprus's growing standing as a leading tourist destination in the Mediterranean region, with a significant rise in visitor numbers over the past year.

This rise reflects not only the geographical proximity and natural attractiveness of the island but also the ongoing investment in infrastructure, marketing, and improved visitor experiences.

Main Tourism Sources

• United Kingdom (34.4%) maintains its position as the largest source of tourism, thanks to strong historical and cultural ties.
• Israel (10.3%) in second place, establishes itself as a key target audience due to the island's proximity and convenience, along with tailored services and activities for Israeli tourists.
• Poland (8.3%), Germany (5.7%), and Sweden (5.3%) also contribute significantly to tourist numbers, indicating a wide variety of visitors from European countries.
• A sharp increase in visitors to Cyprus was recorded this past year from several countries, with leading ones including Romania with a rise of 96.2%, Serbia 88.8%, Poland 82.9%, Lithuania 62.7%, and Saudi Arabia with a rise of 59.7% in tourist numbers visiting until 30.11.24.
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Factors for Tourism Success in Cyprus

1. Improvement of Tourist Infrastructure:
   New and luxurious hotels, alongside upgrades to existing sites, provide a higher quality experience.

2. Direct Air Connections:
   Expansion of direct flight routes from various European countries, particularly from key countries like Israel, has made Cyprus more accessible in the past two years, with numbers reflecting this.

3. Variety of Activities and Attractions:
   A combination of magical beaches, historical sites, a lively nightlife scene, and culinary experiences enrich the visit to the island.

4. International Events and Festivals:
   The many festivals and events on the island, such as music, food, and sports festivals, attract a wide and diverse audience, and over the past year, the Cyprus Ministry of Tourism notes a clear increase in visitors for this purpose.

Popularity Among Israeli Tourists

The proximity to Israel (about a 40-minute flight) and the wide range of airlines operating flights between Ben Gurion Airport and Larnaca and Paphos, along with attractive package deals, make Cyprus a preferred vacation destination for families, couples, and independent travelers.

The diverse options offered by the island, as well as extreme activities, historical sites, and excellent culinary experiences, ensure it caters to all types of tourists.

Outlook for the Future

Cyprus's leaders are confident that a focus on thematic tourism development – marine sports, nature tours, and culinary tourism – ensures that the growth trend will continue.