Cypriots appear undaunted, regarding the trips they made abroad, despite the developments in the Middle East and the conflicts that have been observed recently. The same applies to tourists who choose Cyprus, since no change was presented in relation to 2023.
Despite the fact that in recent months, there has been a state of war in the wider area where Cyprus is located, following the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, this does not seem to have immediately alarmed traveling Cypriots, as well as foreign tourists, with the data held by travel agents testify that citizens continue their trips abroad undaunted.
READ HERE: Increase 5.5% in tourist arrivals in June, Cypriot trips abroad decreased
However, this does not mean that they are defying the risk of war, since Cypriot travel to Israel has greatly decreased compared to the numbers prevailing before October 2023. At the same time, arrivals from Israel, for month of June, they were at the same levels as in 2023.
“The situation in Israel is a parameter that is taken into account, we monitor the situation, but it is not something that scares us particularly. In June, travelers from Israel returned to numbers of 2023”, the new president of the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), Haris Papacharalambous, explained to REPORTER.
However, citizens are watching developments in the Middle East as they have an impact on decision-making, with travel agents noting that what will decide the outcome is whether there will ultimately be any conflict in Israel with Iran and Hezbollah. However, even if a state of war is observed, if it is not so widespread and alarming, it is estimated that it will not affect Cypriot travelers enough.
“There was no drop in Cypriot travel, despite the developments in the Middle East. Because so much is happening every day around the world, the world has built up antibodies when it comes to destinations that are not directly involved. But in the destinations that are directly involved, like Israel, the reduction is obvious and it makes perfect sense.”
At the same time, the fact that Cyprus has not been involved in any war situation and keeps its distance seems to have a positive impact on tourists, since they still choose the island for their holidays.
“Regarding tourist arrivals, because we are not directly involved, they clearly affect us much less, compared to how the situation was 20-30 years ago when there was the first war in the Gulf and Cyprus was empty within 48 hours, even though the conflicts in Iraq were far away”
Almost 137,000 Cypriots traveled outside of Cyprus in June
Specifically, according to the data announced by the Statistical Service, 136,739 Cypriots traveled abroad in June 2024, showing a slight drop compared to June 2023, of the amount of 1.3% since at that time 138,588 people traveled abroad were recorded.
“The most popular destination is Greece, throughout the year and the percentage it is quite large. Second market is the United Kingdom, followed by Italy, France, Austria and other European destinations and then third countries”.
Based on the data of the Statistical Service, the main countries visited by Cypriots in June 2024 were:
-Greece with 37.5%, which translates to 51,260 travelers
-United Kingdom with 11.9%, which translates to 16,311 travelers
-Italy with 4.9%, which translates to 6,641 travelers.
