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Encouraging 2026 Bookings And Strategic Tourism Upgrades Under Deputy Minister Koumis

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 9, 2026

Strong Early Bookings Signal Robust Growth

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Konstantinos Koumis, announced that the initial booking figures for 2026 are exceptionally promising. While he celebrated these early successes, the Deputy Minister stressed that the ultimate objective is to ensure that every visitor departs with a gratifying experience.

Strategic Collaboration With Regional Leaders

During a meeting held on Monday at the Cultural Centre “Giorgos Seferis” in Agia Napa, regional authorities and tourism stakeholders from the community of Ammochostos convened to address challenges and evaluate initiatives crucial to the area’s tourism sector. Accompanied by both local mayors and representatives from key tourism organizations, the discussion centered on the competitive strengths of enduring destinations such as Agia Napa and Protaras.

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Addressing Challenges And Emphasizing Sustainability

Deputy Minister Koumis noted that the session provided an opportunity to assess the benefits and shortcomings of various tourist destinations, particularly in the face of looming challenges such as climate change. In a dynamic industry where trends evolve rapidly, the Ministry’s emphasis on timely measures and coordinated action between local authorities and the private sector remains pivotal for maintaining international competitiveness.

Investments In Tourism Infrastructure And Quality Service

Koumis underlined the government’s commitment to elevating the nation’s tourism offerings through significant investments in infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. From expanding green spaces and integrating historical narratives into modern projects to installing public art and establishing new landmarks, every step is designed to enhance both the visitor experience and the destination’s profile.

Outlook For 2026 And Beyond

Looking ahead, Koumis expressed confidence in the enduring appeal of Cyprus as a top-tier tourist destination. Currently, the booking pace for 2026 remains high, reinforcing the importance of not only attracting visitors but also ensuring their lasting satisfaction. As local mayors like Christos Zannettou from Agia Napa and George Nikolettos from Deryneia have highlighted, ongoing projects and alternative tourism investments are critical to prolonging the tourism season and driving economic recovery.

By fostering robust partnerships and maintaining strategic investments, Cyprus is poised to secure its reputation as a leading destination where quality service and innovative tourism practices go hand in hand. The coordinated efforts of the Ministry, local governments, and business enterprises will ensure that Cyprus not only meets but exceeds international tourism expectations in the coming years.

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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.