Cyprus approves National Tourism Strategy 2035 targeting 5 million visitors

The Cyprus Cabinet approved the National Tourism Strategy 2035 on February 13, 2026, to align with the country's long-term economic vision. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis announced that the target is to increase annual arrivals to 5 million by 2035, up from 4.04 million in 2024. The strategy focuses on quality over volume, aiming to transform Cyprus into a year-round destination by distributing arrivals more evenly throughout the autumn and spring months. It serves as an update to the 2030 strategy adopted in 2020, placing greater emphasis on sustainable development, the green transition, and digital transformation. Key infrastructure upgrades, particularly regarding accessibility, are central to the new policy framework. Koumis noted that while the country currently draws visitors from over 40 nations, efforts are intensifying to establish direct air links with the USA, China, and India. Additionally, the ministry recently expanded its reach into the Kazakhstan market to diversify tourism sources. Action plans are being implemented immediately to ensure the tourism sector meets these updated sustainability and growth targets.