Tourism in Cyprus Flourishes with a 33.3% Increase in May 2023
The tourism sector in Cyprus has experienced a remarkable surge, as indicated by the latest data published by the Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat) on Tuesday. In May 2023, tourist arrivals reached an impressive figure of 420,076, a substantial increase from the 315,018 recorded in May 2022, reflecting a significant annual growth of 33.3%.
Among the top countries contributing to this surge, the United Kingdom emerged as the primary source of tourism in May 2023, accounting for 36.6% (153,797) of the total arrivals. Israel followed closely with 8.9% (37,442), while Poland, Germany, and Sweden represented 7.3% (30,835), 6.2% (25,916), and 5.2% (21,837) respectively.
For the majority of visitors, which constituted 82.1% of the total, the purpose of their visit in May 2023 was for holidays. Additionally, 11.3% visited friends and relatives, while 6.5% arrived for business purposes, highlighting the diverse range of motivations for visiting Cyprus.
It is noteworthy that the upward trend in tourism arrivals has been consistently observed throughout 2023, with increases recorded in each month from January to May when compared to the corresponding months in 2022. The cumulative figures for the period from January to May 2023 demonstrate a robust performance, with a total of 1,156,705 tourists visiting the island compared to 849,058 in the same period of 2022, indicating a notable growth rate of 36.2%.
In addition to the influx of tourists, the statistics also shed light on the travel patterns of Cypriot residents. In May 2023, a total of 126,583 residents returned to Cyprus from trips abroad, showing a slight decrease of 6.7% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year when 135,661 residents arrived back in Cyprus.
The positive growth in tourism arrivals in Cyprus signifies the attractiveness of the island as a destination, drawing visitors from various countries around the world. This upswing not only contributes to the economic vitality of the nation but also underscores Cyprus's allure as a compelling choice for travellers seeking memorable experiences, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.
