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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 And Greece Deepen Economic Ties As They Target Investment And Third-Market Growth

Cyprus and Greece are seeking to expand economic cooperation by attracting investment, strengthening economic diplomacy and helping businesses enter third markets.

The issue was discussed in Nicosia by Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Harry Theoharis during Theoharis’ two-day visit on Sept. 14 and 15, according to the Greek Foreign Ministry.

Focus Shifts Toward Third Markets

Kombos said the talks focused on “strengthening economic diplomacy, investments, and joint business extroversion in third markets.” The approach would encourage companies from both countries to pursue opportunities abroad rather than limiting cooperation to bilateral trade and investment.

The existing economic relationship provides a strong base for that effort. Trade in goods between Cyprus and Greece reached €3.3 billion in 2025, with Greece remaining one of Cyprus’ key commercial partners, according to Energy Minister Michalis Damianos.

Business Ties Take Center Stage

Theoharis also met Damianos and Invest Cyprus CEO Marios Tannousis, as well as Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Stavros Stavrou and Cyprus-Greece Business Association President Joseph Joseph.

The meetings focused on identifying new areas of cooperation, supporting companies expanding abroad and creating additional investment and trade opportunities.

Cooperation Amid A Changing Regional Landscape

Kombos and Theoharis also reaffirmed the countries’ strategic relationship and discussed regional developments and Greece’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.

Greece will hold the rotating presidency from July through December 2027, following Lithuania and as part of the 18-month trio with Ireland and Lithuania. The role allows Greece to help set the EU agenda, build consensus among member states and steer legislative work.

The broader economic agenda reflects a growing role for governments as facilitators of international business, using diplomatic ties to help companies build partnerships and access new markets.

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