These figures mark a significant surge in the island’s tourism industry, coming close to the annual record of 3,976,777 set in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted the global travel industry. Moreover, according to the report, tourist arrivals totalled 159,605 in November 2023, compared to 149,857 in November 2022, registering a robust 6.5 per cent increase.

The United Kingdom remained the primary source of tourism for November 2023, accounting for 26.8 per cent (42,724) of total arrivals. The UK was followed by Poland at 11.8 per cent (18,874), Germany at 10 per cent (15,984), and Greece at 9.7 per cent (15,475).

Regarding the purpose of visits in November 2023, 67.2 per cent of tourists arrived for holidays, 19.7 per cent visited friends or relatives, and 12.8 per cent travelled for business reasons.  Comparatively, in November 2022, 70.8 per cent visited Cyprus for holidays, 15 per cent for visiting friends or relatives, and 14 per cent for business purposes. What is more, Cypriot residents’ outbound travels in November totalled 117,487, showcasing a 14.7 per cent increase compared to November 2022 when the number was 102,417.

The primary countries to which Cypriot residents travelled in November 2023 were Greece, accounting for 33.9 per cent (39,868), the United Kingdom at 13.5 per cent (15,834), and Italy at 5 per cent (5,914). For Cypriot residents travelling in November 2023, holidays were the predominant reason, constituting 68.1 per cent, while 27.7 per cent travelled for business purposes, 2.3 per cent for studies, and 1.8 per cent for other reasons. These figures indicate a diverse range of motivations for travel among Cypriot residents during this period.

Meanwhile, on a global level, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently announced that the ongoing recovery in passenger demand continued in October. The association noted that total passenger traffic in October 2023, which is measured in revenue passenger kilometres, rose by 31.2 per cent when compared to the same month of the previous year. “Globally, traffic is now at 98.2 per cent of pre-Covid levels,” IATA stated.

In addition, domestic traffic for October increased by 33.7 per cent, compared to October 2022, something which has been primarily attributed to the triple-digit percentage growth recorded in China. Domestic traffic was 4.8 per cent above the October 2019 results. The association also said that international traffic rose by 29.7 per cent compared to the same month a year ago. “All markets saw double-digit percentage gains year on year. International RPKs reached 94.4 per cent of October 2019 levels.” IATA said.

Finally, IATA Director General Willie Walsh explained that “October’s strong result brings the industry ever closer to completing the post-pandemic traffic recovery”.

Source: Cyprus Mail