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Capturing Cyprus Through The Lens: An Executive Review Of Visual Storytelling

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 12, 2025

The photo contest “Memories Made in Cyprus” brought the island’s unique heritage to life during the annual tourism conference hosted by STEK. Held on 27 November 2025, the event showcased a collection of evocative images that powerfully narrated the cultural and natural allure of Cyprus, with distinguished guests including the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Kostas Koumis, and leading figures from the tourism industry.

Awarded Photographic Excellence

The top honor was awarded to Maria Maragkou for her piece, “Ekklisaki tis Panagias tis Thalassinis”, which captures the serene and heartfelt spirit of Paphos. The second prize was jointly claimed by Stelios Michailidis for his poetic portrayal in “I Siopis tou Iliovasilematos” and Rafae̱llos Markitanis for his technically refined landscape in “Fragma Prodromou”. The third prize went to Andriani Georgiou for “Chryso Fthinopocho”, an image that elegantly encapsulates the splendor of the Cypriot countryside during autumn.

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Recognized Outstanding Works

In addition to the main prizes, seven other images received accolades for their artistic innovation and narrative depth. These featured subjects ranged from medieval stone bridges and rugged mountain trails to handcrafted art and the wintry vistas of Troodos. Notable recognitions include:

Ilias Labrou – “To Mesaiotiko Petríno Gefyri tis Miliás”
Savas Maroullétis – “Istioforo Plio, Plaisio̱menos apo Parathyro”
Andriani Georgiou – “Chionismeno Troodos”
Pavlos Pavlou – “To Gefyri tou Jelefontou”
Kostas Efthivoulou – “Laneia”
Maria Maragkou – “Hand Made”
Marios Andreou – “Fading Light, Fading Thoughts”

Rigorous Judging Process

The selection process was overseen by a highly qualified panel including Savvas Perdios, Theodosia Antoniou, Dr. Alexis Saveriadis, Andreas Konstantinou, Socrates Sokráto̱s, Silvio Rousmiko, and Chrysaimili Psilogéni. Their evaluation criteria emphasized a sophisticated blend of aesthetic appeal, technical excellence, and narrative power.

Cyprus: A Tapestry of Captured Memories

STEK expressed its gratitude to all participants, underscoring that the contest celebrates the authentic, heartfelt nature of Cyprus through vivid imagery. The event transformed Cyprus into a visual journey where nature, history, and everyday moments intersect to create enduring memories. This fusion of art and cultural storytelling stands as a testament to the island’s profound appeal in the global tourism landscape.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Rolls-Royce Raises Guidance As Defense And Power Systems Drive Growth

Rolls-Royce raised its full-year profit and cash flow guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected first-half results, supported by growth across its civil aerospace, defense and power systems businesses.

Underlying operating profit rose 46% year on year to £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) in the first six months of 2026, while revenue increased more than 24% to £11.3 billion.

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The company now expects full-year underlying operating profit of £4.7 billion to £4.9 billion, up from previous guidance of £4 billion to £4.2 billion. It also raised its free cash flow forecast to £3.8 billion to £4 billion, compared with £3.6 billion to £3.8 billion previously.

Shares rose as much as 6% in early trading before paring gains to trade about 4% higher.

Data Center Demand Supports Power Systems

Chief Financial Officer Helen McCabe told CNBC that orders in Rolls-Royce’s data center power business increased by more than 50% in the first half as operators invested in backup and on-site power systems.

The company has benefited from growing demand for power infrastructure as data center operators expand capacity.

Defense Spending Provides Additional Support

McCabe also said Rolls-Royce expects to benefit from higher defense spending in the U.K. and across NATO countries. She cited the U.K.’s long-term defense investment plan, which provides funding visibility through 2030 and beyond.

“We’ve had very positive initial conversations with the new government,” McCabe said, adding that the company supports its focus on growth, defense and industrial manufacturing.

Turnaround Continues

Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the company’s transformation strategy continued to deliver results. “Our transformation continues to deliver,” he said in a statement. “We have unlocked new growth opportunities across the Group.”