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Bank Of Cyprus Empowers Hotel Sector With Strategic Rewards Initiative

Bank of Cyprus launched a rewards program offering five times points on hotel stays paid directly with its cards between April 6 and June 30, 2026. The initiative targets domestic tourism and supports the hospitality sector during a period of weaker regional demand.

Strategic Response To Regional Uncertainties

The program was introduced as tourism flows are affected by regional tensions in the Middle East. Bank of Cyprus is positioning the offer to support local hotels and maintain activity in the sector. Tourism remains a key contributor to Cyprus’ economy, making demand support measures relevant for short-term stability.

Enhanced Rewards For Loyal Customers

Under the new program, BoC cardholders are invited to earn five times the reward points on all qualifying hotel stays. The promotion is valid for all accommodation payments made directly at the hotel using a Bank of Cyprus card between April 6, 2026 and June 30, 2026. To be eligible, payments must be made directly during check-in or check-out, bypassing third-party platforms.

Boosting Domestic Tourism And Economic Resilience

Irene Gregoriou, Chief of Consumer Banking at Bank of Cyprus, said the initiative aims to support both customers and the hospitality industry. The program links consumer incentives with increased activity in local businesses. Domestic tourism is expected to play a larger role as international demand fluctuates. Targeted promotions may help offset part of the decline in external arrivals.

Further Information And Participating Hotels

A list of participating hotels is available through the bank’s official channels. Customers can review eligible properties and program details online. Participation conditions and reward structures are defined within the promotion terms.

Cyprus Banks Urged To Focus On Long-Term Resilience As Profits Remain Strong

The Cypriot banking sector remains in a strong position, supported by solid capital buffers and overall financial stability, according to speakers at the annual general meeting of the Association of Cyprus Banks. At the same time, government officials and regulators stressed that maintaining this position will require continued discipline and long-term planning.

A Strong Sector, But Not A Complacent One

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos used the meeting to highlight concerns over draft laws recently passed by parliament, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the Legal Service, may contain constitutional, legal and institutional issues. Those concerns, he noted, led to presidential referrals and remittals to the Supreme Court.

Keravnos also said the European Central Bank had been consulted on proposed measures concerning the suspension of foreclosures and the restructuring of loans and guarantees, adding that the ECB had expressed its own concerns.

Profitability Should Reflect Real Economy Lending

While acknowledging that the banking sector remains highly profitable, Keravnos said earnings are expected to reach around €1 billion in 2025, lower than in 2024 as interest-rate conditions gradually normalize.

He said he would prefer bank profitability to rely more on lending to businesses operating in productive sectors and less on the widening of European Central Bank interest-rate spreads.

According to the minister, Cyprus’ return to investment-grade status after 11 years has strengthened the country’s appeal to foreign investors, technology companies and startups. He said this should encourage banks to offer financing that better supports businesses while improving the diversification of their loan portfolios.

The Central Bank’s Warning: Strength Today Is Not A Guarantee Tomorrow

Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides also warned against complacency, saying the sector’s current strength should not be taken for granted.

“The Cypriot banking sector is strong today. But strength that truly matters is not exhausted by a capital ratio, a profit line or a favorable cycle,” he said.

Patsalides added that lasting resilience depends on institutions remaining strong as conditions change, risks become more complex, and competition evolves. In his view, that requires sufficient capital buffers, adaptable infrastructure and management teams prepared for changing market conditions.

Long-Term Resilience Over Short-Term Gains

Patsalides also stressed that banks should focus on long-term resilience rather than short-term performance. Decisions on dividend policy, capital allocation and the use of resources, he said, should take into account continued investment in technology, operational resilience, human capital and long-term adaptability.

He added that banks able to remain competitive over time will be those that invest early in strengthening their capacity to adapt and respond to future challenges.

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