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January Data Sets The Stage For A Robust Tourism Outlook In 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 19, 2026

January Data Insights And The Promising Start

Latest figures from the Statistics Service, expected to be released today, point to a strong start to 2026 for Cyprus’ tourism sector. Early January data indicate positive momentum that could continue throughout the year, provided external disruptions remain limited.

Clean Monday Weekend: The First Litmus Test

The upcoming Clean Monday three-day weekend, scheduled for February 21–23, is viewed as the first major test of this year’s tourism performance. Industry representatives report strong booking activity expected to lift monthly averages, even as February occupancy currently stands at around 30%. Christos Angelides, Managing Director Of PASYXE, highlighted that hotels in key areas such as Limassol, buoyed by carnival festivities, and Paphos are predicted to operate at full capacity during this period.

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Investment In Hospitality And Local Attractions

Beyond the main tourist centers, surrounding villages near Limassol and Paphos have seen increased investment in accommodation and dining infrastructure. These developments are expanding travel options and encouraging short excursions, particularly with favorable weather forecasts. Many hotels are also preparing curated Clean Monday menus aimed at enhancing the on-site guest experience and increasing visitor spending within properties.

A Year-Round Tourism Strategy And Future Trends

Industry leaders continue to stress the importance of maintaining a flexible, year-round tourism strategy. Expanding air connectivity remains a key factor, with growing flight availability from markets such as Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland, alongside steady demand from the United Kingdom and Israel. While growth from Germany remains modest, it is viewed as a positive indicator. Stakeholders emphasize that sustaining winter tourism requires coordinated efforts across the broader hospitality and tourism ecosystem, including events, conferences and cultural activities.

Looking Forward To A Strong Tourism Season

March is expected to deliver strong results and may outperform the same period last year. Several hotel operators plan to open earlier to capture early-season travel packages offered by tour operators, potentially extending the tourism season from early spring through late November.

In addition, the timing of Easter celebrations across Catholic, Jewish and Orthodox calendars is anticipated to support increased visitor flows from late March into early April. Industry observers see this as part of a broader trend toward a longer and more stable tourism season with sustained demand throughout the year.

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Cyprus Launches Survey To Shape New Cybersecurity Startup Funding Programme

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has informed businesses about a new survey launched by the Digital Security Authority (DSA) to assess the needs of cybersecurity startups ahead of a planned funding programme.

Industry Consultation Begins Before Funding Rollout

Launched by the DSA in its capacity as Cyprus’ National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-CY), the survey aims to gather information on the challenges, priorities and development needs of startups operating in the cybersecurity sector.

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Its findings will help shape a future grant scheme while providing authorities with a clearer understanding of the needs of companies active in the industry.

Grant Scheme Tied To European Cybersecurity Objectives

Implementation of the support programme will take place through the European N4CY2 project and is aligned with Regulation (EU) 2021/887, which focuses on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, resilience and innovation across the European Union.

According to the DSA, feedback collected through the survey will contribute to the development of funding measures aimed at supporting the growth of cybersecurity startups.

Why Startup Participation Matters

Keve encouraged startups and other stakeholders to participate in the consultation process, noting that their input can help ensure future support measures reflect the realities and challenges faced by the sector.

Areas covered by the questionnaire include business development, innovation, operational challenges and future growth opportunities within the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Through direct feedback from market participants, the DSA aims to design a funding programme that is better aligned with the needs of emerging cybersecurity companies.

Survey Open Until June 26

Eligible businesses are being encouraged to complete the questionnaire and contribute to the consultation process before the scheme is launched. Responses will be accepted until June 26, 2026.

The chamber said the information submitted will be used exclusively for the design of the grant scheme and will be handled under strict confidentiality. Businesses interested in participating can access the questionnaire here.