Cyprus Anchors Mediterranean Tourism Revival as Visitor Numbers Surge
NICOSIA, Cyprus – July 20, 2025 — The Mediterranean tourism landscape in 2025 is a patchwork of growth and resilience. Despite geopolitical unrest in neighboring regions, Cyprus is witnessing a standout tourism boom, with 1.843 million international visitors recorded in the first half of the year—an 11.5% year-on-year increase, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service (CYSTAT).
June 2025 alone saw nearly 500,000 tourist arrivals, with the United Kingdom continuing to dominate as the top source market, contributing 36.4% of the monthly total. Meanwhile, emerging growth came from Denmark (+73.6%), the Netherlands (+31.3%), Romania (+29.1%), and Lebanon (+25%), underscoring Cyprus’s appeal across diversified source markets.
While arrivals from Israel dropped 41.6% amid ongoing Middle East tensions, Cyprus’s robust marketing campaigns and high-value experiences have driven up tourism revenues significantly. In April 2025, the island earned €304.2 million in tourism revenue—a 39.9% rise compared to April 2024. Between January and April, Cyprus accumulated €582.5 million, with average visitor spending rising to €726.42 per person.
Greece Remains a Pillar of Regional Tourism Stability
Greece, too, has held its ground as a regional leader in Mediterranean tourism. According to data from the Bank of Greece, more than 6.3 million visitors arrived between January and May 2025, a 5.9% increase over the same period in 2024. The country’s Q1 tourism revenue reached approximately €1.073 billion.
While some popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos recorded minor declines in international air arrivals—down 17–24% and 3–4%, respectively—the mainland and lesser-known island destinations saw increases. Airports across Greece noted a 10.8% rise in activity during early 2025, offsetting minor losses at land borders.
Notably, non-EU visitor traffic rose 19.7%, with U.S. arrivals jumping 27%—a result of increased airline connectivity and cultural tourism campaigns targeting American travelers.
Turkey Projects 64 Million Visitors in 2025
Turkey’s tourism sector continues to perform steadily, with early-year momentum putting the country on track to achieve its 2025 goal of 64 million international tourists. According to Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 4.34 million tourists arrived in the first two months of 2025, mirroring figures from the previous year. April arrivals climbed 8% to 3.9 million.
With key source markets such as Iran and Germany expanding, Turkey is leveraging both affordability and heritage appeal. In 2024, the country recorded over 52 million visitors and tourism revenues surpassing US $61 billion—a figure expected to rise to $63.6 billion this year.
Israel Tourism Plummets Amid Geopolitical Crisis
Israel, in contrast, has seen its inbound tourism collapse due to rising security concerns and airspace restrictions. The Israel Ministry of Tourism reported just 55,300 tourist arrivals in June—a 42.4% drop year-on-year. While the country registered a modest 23.4% increase in the first half of 2025 compared to a weak 2024, overall numbers remain down drastically from pre-crisis highs of nearly 5 million tourists in 2019.
Since October 2023, tourism losses have exceeded US $3.4 billion. Industry analysts warn that despite recovery incentives and new airline route announcements, Israel’s long-term revival depends heavily on stability and air connectivity restoration.
Egypt Shifts Focus to Asian and Eastern European Travelers
Egypt’s traditional European markets are shrinking, especially in destinations like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, where security concerns have dampened interest. However, the Egyptian Tourism Authority has increased outreach to Asian and Eastern European markets.
Domestic tourism and travel from regional neighbors are providing a partial cushion. Long-term efforts now center on diversifying the tourist base and investing in safety-driven marketing, particularly for cultural and Nile-based itineraries.
Jordan: Strong Revenue but Fewer Petra Visitors
Jordan presents a mixed picture. The Hashemite Kingdom’s tourism revenue reached US $3.7 billion between January and June 2025—up 12% compared to last year. Yet visitor numbers to the country’s crown jewel, Petra, fell significantly. The ancient site hosted just over 259,000 tourists in the first half of the year, down from nearly 700,000 in the same period of 2024.
To counteract the dip, Jordan is promoting eco-tourism, religious pilgrimage routes, and adventure travel in Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Efforts include upgraded infrastructure and regional collaboration with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Lebanon Sees Outbound Growth and Modest Domestic Recovery
Despite economic instability, Lebanon’s tourism sector has shown pockets of resilience. Lebanese visitor numbers to Cyprus surged 25% in early 2025, as outbound travel to more stable neighboring regions increased. Domestic travel is also cautiously recovering, supported by infrastructure upgrades and diaspora engagement initiatives.
Mediterranean Outlook: Resilience Amid Risk
The broader Mediterranean region is undergoing a transformation shaped by resilience, regional collaboration, and shifting source markets. Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, and Jordan are weathering instability through diversification and smart investments. Meanwhile, Israel and Egypt are navigating recovery through recalibrated marketing and strategic partnerships.
Travel Recommendations for 2025:
- Best Performing: Cyprus and Greece for stability, cultural depth, and shoulder-season value
- Emerging Stronghold: Turkey for affordability, history, and robust infrastructure
- Cautious Revival: Jordan and Lebanon for cultural immersion with situational awareness
- Unstable Zones: Israel and Egypt—monitor advisories and consider alternatives or guided experiences
As 2025 unfolds, the Mediterranean remains a vibrant but complex region. Governments are investing in long-term strategies to boost resilience, including infrastructure modernization, tourism diversification, and expanded regional cooperation—offering visitors a range of enriching and safe experiences across the sun-drenched sea.
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