Ahead of the expected peak summer season, the idyllic Mediterranean island of Cyprus has celebrated record tourism arrivals for the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 19.5 per cent compared to January – April 2017.

New figures from Statistical Service of the Ministry of Finance revealed that overall visitor arrivals from January through to April of 2018 totaled 683,581 compared to 572,024 during the same period last year, outnumbering the total arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus during the first four months of the year.April 2018 had the highest volume of tourist arrivals ever recorded in Cyprus during the specific month with arrivals reaching 314,143, compared to 286.331 in April 2017, recording an increase of 9.7 per cent.

Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates led percentage growth from the gulf region, registering a 37 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively during the first four months of the year.

“This year has seen an increased marketing campaign across the GCC, further raising awareness of the destination and its offering stimulating further demand from destinations that have direct air links to Cyprus,” commented Mr Marinos Menelaou, Acting Director General at Cyprus Tourism Organization, which is responsible for organizing and promoting tourism within the Republic of Cyprus.

“The introduction of direct flights from Abu Dhabi by Cobalt will support Emirates’ existing route from Dubai and provide additional reason to visit the idyllic island in the Mediterranean.”

Travellers from across the GCC can reach Cyprus in three-four hours, with direct flights operated by Cobalt, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Gulf Air.