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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 2, 2024

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%.

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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.

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Berkshire Hathaway Invests Another $330 Million In Bending Spoons

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 15, 2026

Bending Spoons shares rose 35% after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a further $330 million investment in the Italy-based software company. The move signals continued institutional confidence in a business that has become one of Europe’s closely watched technology players.

Berkshire Increases Its Stake

A new securities filing revealed that Berkshire will purchase 10 million ordinary shares at $33 each, bringing its stake in Bending Spoons to 4%. The investment follows a $600 million commitment in July, when the company went public on Nasdaq.

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Shares climbed 35% following the disclosure, adding to the momentum behind Bending Spoons’ strategy of acquiring and optimising software and digital businesses.

Funding Future Acquisitions

“Bending Spoons continuously evaluates M&A opportunities, and our pipeline remains strong,” said Francesco Patarnello, the company’s co-founder and head of business acquisitions.

He added that Berkshire’s investment reflects confidence in the team and its platform, while strengthening the company’s financial flexibility and capacity to pursue acquisitions as part of its broader financing strategy.

For a company built around buying, integrating and improving digital businesses, access to capital is central to its growth strategy. Berkshire’s backing could also strengthen Bending Spoons’ position as it competes for acquisitions in a market where financing can be decisive.

Berkshire Signals Continuity Under Greg Abel

The investment comes as Greg Abel leads Berkshire Hathaway, having taken over as CEO from Warren Buffett at the start of the year. Abel’s early investment decisions suggest continuity in Berkshire’s focus on established businesses with long-term potential.

For Bending Spoons, the additional investment provides both capital and a vote of confidence from one of the world’s most prominent investment groups.