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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.

CBC Launches Digital Platform As Persistent Price Pressures Challenge Household Incomes

Strengthening Transparency In Economic Policy

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has launched a new digital platform, the CBC Blog, aimed at improving public understanding of economic developments and central banking policy. The initiative provides регулярні аналітичні матеріали on financial stability, monetary policy, and inflation trends, supporting the bank’s broader effort to increase transparency and accessibility.

Insight-Driven Analysis From Industry Experts

The blog features signed analyses prepared by CBC specialists, targeting economists, journalists, and the wider public. The first publication examines inflation in Cyprus between 2019 and 2025. Authors Demetris Kapatais, Maria Mithillou, and Maria Papageorgiou note that although inflation has slowed, cumulative price increases continue to affect household purchasing power.

Economic Impact And Consumer Challenges

The analysis highlights persistent pressure on household budgets, particularly in essential categories such as food, energy, and housing. Referencing the February 2026 Eurobarometer survey, the authors point out that inflation and the cost of living remain among the main concerns for European citizens. Even as annual inflation rates decline, earlier price increases continue to weigh on consumers.

Labour Market Dynamics And State Interventions

The report also examines wage developments in relation to inflation and productivity. Historical data show periods when wages moved broadly in line with prices, followed by phases where economic shocks disrupted this balance. Targeted state measures have helped ease inflationary pressures in recent periods, contributing to lower annual inflation rates, though maintaining real income levels remains a challenge.

Conclusion: Balancing Economic Stability With Household Welfare

CBC officials argue that addressing persistent price pressures requires coordinated policy actions. Measures aimed at supporting lower-income households need to be balanced with competitiveness and fiscal stability. Through the CBC Blog, the central bank aims to provide clear analysis that supports informed public discussion on economic policy.

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