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2024: A Pivotal Year For Tourism And Economic Growth In Cyprus

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Kostas Koumis, has described 2024 as a milestone year for Cyprus’s tourism sector, highlighting record-breaking achievements in visitor arrivals and revenue. His remarks, delivered on Friday, follow the release of impressive figures by the Statistical Service.

Tourism Reaches New Heights

Koumis expressed satisfaction with the sector’s recovery, noting that arrivals and revenue have returned to, and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels. According to the Deputy Ministry, revenue from January to September 2024 rose by 31.1% compared to 2022 and 15.3% compared to 2019. Arrivals for the January–October period increased by 4.6% from 2023, and 26.7% from 2022, and even surpassed 2019’s figures by 0.8%.

Additionally, Koumis pointed out that per capita expenditure remains steady, reflecting sustained economic benefits from tourism. Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry’s strategy prioritises investment in rural tourism, environmental preservation, and community-driven benefits.

Resilient Sector and Strategic Success

The Deputy Ministry credited the robust performance to effective market-targeting decisions and the resilience of the tourism sector. Koumis emphasised that Cyprus’s approach to diversifying its tourism offerings and focusing on quality experiences has yielded significant results.

Economic Highlights: Fiscal Surplus and Revenue Growth

Cyprus’s broader economic performance in 2024 also stands out. Preliminary data from the Statistical Service reveals a surplus of €1.43 billion (4.2% of GDP) for January–October, up from €664.8 million (2.1% of GDP) during the same period in 2023.

Revenue Growth

  • Total Revenue: Increased by 6.6%, reaching €11.69 billion.
  • Taxes on Production and Imports: Grew by 6.2%, with net VAT revenue rising 7.6%.
  • Income and Wealth Taxes: Surged by 16%, amounting to €2.9 billion.
  • Revenue from Goods and Services: Jumped by 29.9%, reaching €822.7 million.

While some areas, such as social benefits and employee compensation, saw increases, the overall fiscal picture remains positive, driven by disciplined spending and strong revenue growth.

Looking Forward

With record-breaking tourism figures and a strong fiscal position, Cyprus is well-positioned for sustainable economic growth. Investments in rural development, community benefits, and environmental sustainability ensure that both the tourism sector and the wider economy will continue to thrive in the years ahead.

Cyprus’ Kronos Field Nears Completion, Paving Way For Natural Gas Exports To Europe

Project Nearing Completion

At the final stage of development, Cyprus’ Kronos field is on track to begin delivering its first shipments of domestic natural gas to Europe. President Nikos Christodoulides recently emphasized that the development is set to conclude by the end of March, securing a critical milestone not only for Cyprus but also for key international partners.

Strategic Engagement And Forum Participation

During a high-level meeting at the Presidential Residence with ENI’s operational executive, Guido Brusco, the President highlighted the urgency of finalizing the remaining work. He confirmed his participation in the Energy Forum in Cairo from March 30 to April 1 at the invitation of Egypt’s President, while also pressing for the European Commission’s representation. This forum will serve as a pivotal gathering for shaping the regional energy landscape, reinforcing the project’s transcontinental impact.

Robust Investment And Multinational Partnerships

Brusco further underlined ENI’s commitment through extensive investment, which has reached approximately 1.2 billion dollars to date. The collaboration between Cyprus, Egypt, ENI, and TOTAL is poised to mark the country’s first developmental success from its Exclusive Economic Zone. Such a robust partnership is critical for both economic progress and bolstering energy security across Europe.

As Cyprus embarks on this transformative journey, the successful commissioning of the Kronos field is set to reaffirm its role as a vital energy supplier in the region. Through coordinated international efforts and decisive political will, the nation is poised to secure enduring benefits for its economy and for the broader European energy market.

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