Greece and Cyprus see record outbound travel spending and volume

Greek and Cypriot residents are setting new records for outbound travel in 2025. In Greece, spending on foreign travel reached a record 3.3 billion euros, a 19% increase from 2.8 billion euros in 2024. This rise is attributed to an improved economic climate, though high domestic holiday costs are driving citizens toward international destinations that offer better value for money. While spending and departures have increased, overnight stays remain below 2018 and 2019 levels due to inflationary pressures on travel packages.

Similarly, Cyprus is seeing a surge in outbound tourism, with travel numbers expected to reach 2.1 million by the end of the year, up from 1.96 million in the previous year. According to Haris Papacharalambous, President of the Association of Travel and Tourism Agents of Cyprus (ACTTA), travel is increasingly viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury, supported by improved airline connectivity. Approximately 85% of Cypriot travelers head to Europe, with Greece remaining the top destination at 33%, followed by Italy, Poland, France, and Germany. There is also growing interest in long-haul destinations such as Japan and the United States.