Cyprus has moved to deepen ties with the Gulf by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation with Saudi Arabia, a fast-growing outbound market that already accounts for one-fifth of overnight trips from the Middle East. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis and his Saudi counterpart Ahmed Al Khateeb signed the agreement in Riyadh on 14 November, on the sidelines of the UN Tourism General Assembly. The MoU covers joint destination marketing, exchange of know-how on sustainable development, cooperation between hotel schools, and the use of travel-tech solutions.
For Cyprus, the pact is a key plank in its strategy to diversify source markets beyond the UK, Israel and Russia and to fill winter capacity that airlines have added for 2025-26. Saudi nationals already benefit from an e-visa for short stays, but officials hinted that multiple-entry and group-tour facilitation could follow. Cyprus is positioning itself as a safe, short-haul Mediterranean option for affluent GCC travellers looking for mild weather, halal-friendly resorts and access to archaeological sites.
![Cyprus and Saudi Arabia ink tourism MoU to ease two-way travel and boost sustainable visitor flows]()
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, views Cyprus as both a new leisure choice for its citizens and a bridge to the EU. Tourism Minister Al Khateeb said the kingdom wants to “learn from Cyprus’ island-destination management” as it builds mega-projects such as Neom and the Red Sea resorts. Joint working groups have been tasked with setting up twin-city packages combining Larnaca and Jeddah as early as summer 2026.
Industry players welcomed the deal. Hermes Airports confirmed it is in talks with Saudia and low-cost carrier flynas to start direct Jeddah–Larnaca services, while Cypriot hotel chain Louis Hotels said it will hold road-shows in Riyadh and Dammam in January. Travel agents expect an initial 20,000 additional Saudi arrivals in 2026, rising to 60,000 by 2030 if connectivity improves.
Corporate mobility teams should watch for streamlined visa handling and new MICE opportunities, especially around Islamic finance and tech-sector events that Saudi organisers plan to host in Cyprus during the kingdom’s growing calendar of global conferences.
For Cyprus, the pact is a key plank in its strategy to diversify source markets beyond the UK, Israel and Russia and to fill winter capacity that airlines have added for 2025-26. Saudi nationals already benefit from an e-visa for short stays, but officials hinted that multiple-entry and group-tour facilitation could follow. Cyprus is positioning itself as a safe, short-haul Mediterranean option for affluent GCC travellers looking for mild weather, halal-friendly resorts and access to archaeological sites.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, views Cyprus as both a new leisure choice for its citizens and a bridge to the EU. Tourism Minister Al Khateeb said the kingdom wants to “learn from Cyprus’ island-destination management” as it builds mega-projects such as Neom and the Red Sea resorts. Joint working groups have been tasked with setting up twin-city packages combining Larnaca and Jeddah as early as summer 2026.
Industry players welcomed the deal. Hermes Airports confirmed it is in talks with Saudia and low-cost carrier flynas to start direct Jeddah–Larnaca services, while Cypriot hotel chain Louis Hotels said it will hold road-shows in Riyadh and Dammam in January. Travel agents expect an initial 20,000 additional Saudi arrivals in 2026, rising to 60,000 by 2030 if connectivity improves.
Corporate mobility teams should watch for streamlined visa handling and new MICE opportunities, especially around Islamic finance and tech-sector events that Saudi organisers plan to host in Cyprus during the kingdom’s growing calendar of global conferences.
