EIC and RIF Host Innovation Funding Info Day In Nicosia

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 3, 2026

EIC And RIF Host Info Day In Nicosia

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) are spearheading an exclusive Info Day in Nicosia on February 18, 2026. This event is designed to offer a comprehensive overview of the EIC Work Programme, emphasizing the latest funding opportunities available to researchers and industry innovators alike.

Overview Of The Eic Work Programme

In a keynote plenary session, participants will receive a detailed briefing on the updated EIC Work Programme. The session will highlight both foundational elements and new developments, ensuring that stakeholders understand the full spectrum of available funding avenues.

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Focused Sessions For Tailored Engagement

Following the plenary, the event will break out into two parallel sessions. One session focuses on the Pathfinder and Transition Calls, targeting researchers from academic institutions, research organizations, and companies. The other session is dedicated to the Accelerator and STEP Scale-Up Calls and introduces the Pre-Accelerator instrument, specifically designed for deep tech SMEs with advanced technologies. Attendees must select their preferred session during registration.

Interactive Discussions And Strategic Networking

This Info Day will feature direct dialogue with EIC representatives, inspiring success stories from EIC-funded projects, and a detailed exploration of the EIC Fund. An interactive Q&A session will further facilitate in-depth discussion, offering ample networking opportunities between academia and industry leaders.

Registration And Additional Details

The event will be held in English and is accessible free of charge to both academic and industry stakeholders. Detailed programme information, venue specifics, and registration procedures are available on the EIC registration website.

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Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2026

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

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Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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