Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, has hailed 2025 as a landmark year for the Cypriot tourism industry. Speaking from the Christmas Village in Statos-Agios Fotios, Paphos, Koumis revealed that the year has not only surpassed revenue expectations but has also seen a historic breakthrough in the German market.
A 28-year-old record shattered
For nearly three decades, the German market had peaked at 250,000 arrivals, a figure set back in 1997. In 2025, that ceiling was finally broken.
- German Milestone: New record for German arrivals after 28 years.
- Strategic Connectivity: Significant improvements in air links between Germany and both Larnaca and Paphos airports.
- Regional Dispersion: The Ministry noted that German tourists are particularly valued for their tendency to explore inland and rural areas, helping spread economic benefits across the entire Republic.
2025: A year of European distinctions
According to the Deputy Minister, 2025 will be remembered as the year Cyprus became a European leader in tourism performance. He cited the latest Aviation Council International (ACI) report to highlight the country’s dominance:
| Category | European Ranking |
| Improvement in Air Connectivity (2025 vs 2024) | 1st Place |
| Improvement in Air Connectivity (2025 vs 2019) | 2nd Place |
| Growth in Tourism Revenue (First Half of 2025) | 1st Place (Mediterranean) |
| Growth in Overnight Stays (2024/2023) | 1st Place (EU) |
Financial resilience and future growth
The figures for 2025 show a robust 12% increase in arrivals compared to 2024, and a staggering 40% growth over a three-year horizon. Koumis emphasized that this success provides local businesses with “the long-desired financial resilience” needed to compete on a global stage.
The Deputy Ministry is now pivoting its strategy toward the “Green Transition” and year-round tourism, following the most successful ten-month period in the nation’s history.