Eastern Mediterranean tourism sees mixed performance

Cyprus reported a sharp decline in tourism revenue for April 2026, with total receipts falling 35% to €197.5 million year‑on‑year and average spend per visitor dropping 10% to €651.77. The first quarter’s overall tourism earnings were down 23.9% compared with the same period in 2025, and the United Kingdom remained the largest source market, accounting for 39.2% of arrivals.

In Greece, summer hotel occupancy is hovering around 70% for July and August, lower than the previous year but still indicating solid demand. Booking patterns have shifted toward last‑minute reservations, with many travellers waiting until close to arrival and a noticeable increase in air‑seat capacity – 11.3 million seats planned for July‑August, a rise of about 6% on the 2025 season. Premium island destinations are experiencing a 7.7% rise in Airbnb bookings for the peak months, with the average booking window shortening to about 19 days in advance. Prices for premium short‑term rentals have risen roughly 9% to €135 per night, reflecting strong demand despite a modest reduction in overall listing numbers.

The combined data suggest that while Cyprus faces a significant revenue shortfall, Greece’s tourism sector is adapting with higher occupancy on islands, increased last‑minute bookings, and a growing short‑term rental market as the summer season progresses.