Breaking news

Cyprus Advances As A Regional Innovation Powerhouse through A Strategic MoU between RIF and Invest Cyprus

Forging a New Era in Innovation

Cyprus is strengthening its position as a pivotal innovation center following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides and Invest Cyprus CEO Marios Tannousis. The accord unites the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) with the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency, commonly known as Invest Cyprus, to accelerate research, technology, and innovation investment, concurrently empowering Cypriot companies to expand internationally.

Unified Strategic Vision And Execution

Under the stewardship of Chief Scientist Skourides, the Office of the Chief Scientist formulates the strategic blueprint for Cyprus’s innovation ecosystem, while the RIF implements executive mandates—ranging from facilitating funding programs to promoting scientific excellence, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of research findings. This partnership, integrated with Invest Cyprus, seeks to position the island as a premier destination for international business and advanced research & development.

Enhancing International Outreach And Investment

The memorandum builds on a year-long collaboration, formalizing a mutual commitment to act as an extended representation of one another, both domestically and overseas. Together, the partners are set to advance Cyprus as a hub for R&D and innovation by fostering connections between foreign enterprises and local businesses, and by providing robust investor support through both on-ground and remote engagements.

Building A Foundation For Sustainable Growth

In addition to promoting business and innovation, the alliance will advocate for comprehensive reforms aimed at refining the regulatory, business, and infrastructure environments vital for supporting innovative industries. Skourides noted, “This agreement is a clear demonstration of our dual commitment—to transform Cyprus into a magnet for innovation-driven investment.” Tannousis further emphasized Cyprus’s strategic geographic advantage, describing it as “a gateway to Europe, the Middle East and beyond,” and underscored the initiative’s role in catalyzing high-impact collaborations and growth opportunities for innovative firms.

An Indelible Impact On The Global Stage

Ultimately, this strategic partnership cements Cyprus’s reputation as an international business and innovation destination. By leveraging RIF’s funding schemes and fostering seamless global engagement, the initiative provides the necessary tools for companies looking to establish operations and pursue sustainable growth on the island.

Cyprus Tourism Shows Strength As Clean Monday Hotel Bookings Surge

Hotels Embrace A Bright Outlook

Recent figures point to growing momentum in hotel reservations ahead of the Clean Monday weekend, signaling renewed confidence in Cyprus’ tourism sector. Christos Angelides, Director of PASYXE, emphasized the positive trend while also underscoring the need to gradually extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.

Favorable Conditions And Festive Spirit

Angelides noted that bookings recorded during the past weekend reached encouraging levels, a development attributed to multiple converging factors. The return of sunny weather after prolonged rainfall, coupled with the festive aura of carnival events and children’s parades in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, has motivated many to opt for short getaways. This seasonal momentum is further boosted by the strategic initiatives of local hotels, many of which are curating special menus for Clean Monday events, offering guests an enhanced stay experience by keeping them on-premise.

Positioning For The Off-Season

Despite the positive indicators, Angelides cautioned that average occupancy rates of 25%–30% highlight the need for continued innovation rather than complacency. He described the current period as part of a longer process of building winter tourism and pointed to opportunities in conferences, corporate events and niche travel segments as potential drivers of year-round demand.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Collective Ecosystem

Industry expectations are further supported by expanded air connections from established markets such as the United Kingdom and Israel, alongside increased routes from Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. While recovery in the German market remains gradual, broader improvements in connectivity continue to strengthen overall tourism prospects. Angelides added that sustainable year-round tourism depends on a wider ecosystem that extends beyond accommodation to include restaurants, museums, cultural venues and community events.

The Path Forward

Cyprus continues to benefit from strong competitive advantages in climate, accessibility and hospitality infrastructure. With coordinated planning across tourism stakeholders and consistent investment in diversified offerings, the sector is positioned to contribute more steadily to the national economy and support a more balanced, all-season travel model.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter