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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

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 Tightens Oversight Of Foreign-Interest Companies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

yprus is revising the framework for companies with foreign interests, introducing stricter compliance checks and new requirements designed to attract businesses that make a substantive contribution to the economy.

The Cabinet approved the changes on Tuesday following a proposal from the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. In a post on X, Energy Minister Michalis Damianos said the revised framework aims to attract companies with a genuine presence in Cyprus and the potential to create added value.

Greater Focus On Real Economic Activity

The revised framework prioritises companies’ actual economic activity, regardless of the origin of their capital. As part of the changes, the existing register will be renamed the “Business Facilitation Centre Register”.

The new rules also strengthen compliance monitoring and establish procedures for removing companies that fail to meet their obligations. Checks on the 70%–30% employment ratio will be conducted seven years after registration.

Annual Employment Reporting From 2027

From January 1, 2027, registered companies will be required to submit annual employment reports. The measure is intended to improve transparency and help authorities monitor compliance with the framework.

The revisions also clarify the conditions under which companies may retain their registration if their ultimate beneficial owners obtain Cypriot or other EU citizenship.

Part Of A Wider Business And Talent Strategy

According to Damianos, the changes aim to attract companies with a substantive presence, growth potential and a measurable contribution to Cyprus’s economy. The framework introduces clearer procedures and oversight while reinforcing existing obligations.

The decision forms part of a broader review of Cyprus’s Strategy for Attracting Businesses and Talent, which is expected to be completed by December 2026.

The first consultation workshop with the business community and other stakeholders took place on October 28, with a second scheduled for October 29.

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