War Tourism Strikes: Significant Decline in Tourism Revenue in Southern Cyprus

The negative impact of the war in the Middle East on the tourism sector continues, with tourism revenues in Southern Cyprus declining by more than 35% in April compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Statistical Service of Southern Cyprus, tourism revenues in April 2026 were 197.5 million euros, representing a 35.1% decline compared to the 304.2 million euros recorded in April 2025. The total tourism revenue for the period from January to April decreased from 582.5 million euros to 443 million euros, a decline of 23.9%. The average expenditure per tourist also decreased. According to the data, the average expenditure per person in April 2026 was 651.77 euros, a 10.3% decrease compared to the 726.42 euros in the same period last year. The Deputy Minister of Tourism of Southern Cyprus, Kostas Koumis, stated that the sharp decline in April was expected. Koumis noted that the measures taken are starting to show their effect, saying, 'We are pleased to see that the tourism sector is returning to a stable course.'