Cyprus And India Forge Strategic Alliance In Professional Accounting

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (Selk) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) have formalized a new chapter in international collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This strategic initiative, endorsed during President Nikos Christodoulides’ official visit to India, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing professional standards and business services across borders.

Enhancing Transnational Professional Standards

The agreement, executed by Chrysilios Pelekanos on behalf of the Cyprus-India Business Association and authorized by the Selk president Odysseas Christodoulou, establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation. Both organizations will work together to exchange expertise in accounting, auditing, professional education, and various business services, thereby strengthening the overall quality and recognition of the profession.

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Expanding Global Networks Through Strategic Partnerships

ICAI, renowned as one of the world’s most influential professional accounting bodies, brings its extensive network and expertise to the collaboration. With this alliance, Selk not only reinforces its commitment to international standards but also bolsters Cyprus’ reputation as a competitive hub for professional services.

Driving Innovation Through Knowledge Exchange

In addition to fostering the exchange of best practices, the MoU paves the way for joint educational initiatives, professional training, and the hosting of conferences. These efforts are anticipated to further elevate the international stature of accounting and auditing professionals in both regions.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

During the visit, high-level discussions with India’s High Commissioner, Manish Manish, further affirmed the robust bilateral ties between Cyprus and India. The meeting highlighted the potential for expanded cooperation not only in the professional services sector but also in broader business collaborations, positioning both countries for mutual growth.

This landmark partnership reflects a forward-thinking strategy by Selk to extend its international influence while fortifying Cyprus’ role as a trusted center for professional services in the global arena.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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