According to passenger surveys, arrivals reached 55,342 in March compared to the 169,934 in the same month last year. This equated to a 67.4% drop.

As of March 15 an entry ban into the Republic was imposed on several categories of persons, including tourists, as part of the measures taken to prevent the virus’ spread.

From January to March 2020 arrivals of tourists reached 246,556 compared to 357,475 in the corresponding period of 2019, recording a drop of 31%.

Tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom fell by 70.2% in March compared to March 2019, while a drop of 60.8% was recorded for tourists from Russia and 66.6% decrease from Greece.

The UK constituted the main source of tourism for Cyprus in March 2020 making up 34.1% of the arrivals, while tourists from Russia comprised 17.7% of total arrivals, Greece 8.4% and Israel 4.1%.

When asked the purpose of their visit, 71.7% of people arriving in Cyprus said they were here on holidays, 14.7% were visiting friends and relatives, and 13.5% were visiting the island on business.

Based on the results of passenger surveys, during the first 15 days of March, it is estimated that 47,393 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad.

Additionally, according to estimates based on information provided by Civil Aviation, during the second half of March, a total of 3,900 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad, Cystat reported.

Source: Cyprus Mail