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Multi-Million Euro Deal In Paphos: Old American Academy Transformed Into British-Owned Educational Institution

In a significant development for Cyprus’ educational landscape, the historic American Academy in Paphos has been sold and will be transformed into a British-owned educational institution. This multi-million euro deal marks a pivotal moment for the local education sector, promising to elevate the standards and reputation of Paphos as a hub for high-quality international education.

The American Academy, a landmark institution in Paphos, has long been revered for its commitment to academic excellence and community service. Its transformation under British ownership is set to introduce a new era of educational innovation and international collaboration. The acquisition by British interests underscores the growing appeal of Cyprus as a destination for international education investment, driven by its strategic location, favourable climate, and robust educational framework.

The new British educational institution will benefit from substantial investments aimed at upgrading and expanding the existing infrastructure. These enhancements will include state-of-the-art classrooms, modern science laboratories, advanced sports facilities, and comprehensive digital learning environments. The focus will be on creating a holistic educational experience that combines academic rigour with extracurricular development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the globalised world.

The institution will offer a diverse curriculum designed to meet international standards, providing students with opportunities to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB), A-Levels, and other globally recognised qualifications. This curriculum will not only attract local students but also appeal to the expatriate community and international students seeking high-quality education in a supportive and multicultural environment.

One of the key aspects of this transformation is the emphasis on fostering strong ties between the educational institution and the local community. The British owners are committed to maintaining the legacy of the American Academy by continuing its tradition of community engagement and social responsibility. This includes partnerships with local businesses, cultural organisations, and government bodies to promote educational initiatives and community development projects.

The investment in the Paphos educational sector is expected to have a broader economic impact, generating employment opportunities for local educators, administrative staff, and support services. It will also attract families and professionals to the region, boosting the local economy and contributing to the socio-economic development of Paphos.

Furthermore, the presence of a high-calibre British educational institution in Paphos will enhance the city’s reputation as a centre for academic excellence and innovation. It will draw international attention, positioning Paphos as a competitive destination for educational tourism. This is particularly significant in the context of the global education market, where parents and students are increasingly seeking schools that offer a blend of rigorous academics, cultural exposure, and holistic development.

The transformation of the American Academy into a British-owned institution reflects the broader trends of globalisation and international collaboration in education. It signifies a commitment to providing students with a world-class education that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Cyprus Records Best-Ever September For Tourist Arrivals

Cyprus recorded its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals for September, with 580,889 visitors in 2026, up 1.8% from 570,635 a year earlier. The rebound comes after months of disruption linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, although arrivals for the first nine months of the year remain below 2025 levels.

According to the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), September arrivals were also 14% higher than in September 2024, when the island welcomed 509,463 tourists. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis said the figures demonstrated the sector’s resilience after regional tensions and negative publicity created uncertainty in March.

Year-To-Date Decline Continues To Narrow

Cyprus welcomed 3.4 million tourists between January and September, down 5.6% from 3.6 million in the same period of 2025. The shortfall has narrowed steadily, from 10.1% at the end of June to 8% in July and 7% in August.

Despite the annual decline, arrivals remained 4.1% above the first nine months of 2024 and 8.3% higher than in 2023, indicating continued growth over the longer term.

Israel And The UK Drive September Arrivals

Israel recorded the strongest growth among Cyprus’s main source markets, with arrivals rising 31.4% year on year to 105,249. The number was 92.9% higher than in September 2024, and Israeli visitors accounted for 18.1% of all arrivals, compared with 14% a year earlier.

The UK remained the island’s largest source market, contributing 184,345 visitors, or 31.7% of the total. British arrivals increased by 2.8% year on year and were 1.9% above their September 2024 level. Together, the UK and Israel accounted for almost half of all visitors during the month.

Greece also supported the rebound, with arrivals rising 16.1% to 19,995. However, several other European markets recorded declines. Poland, Cyprus’s third-largest market in September, fell 7.5% to 41,636 visitors, while Germany was down 11.6% to 30,362. Arrivals from France dropped 48.9% to 4,994.

Tourism Strategy Looks Ahead To 2027

Koumis said the results reflected the government’s efforts to preserve existing travel programmes and strengthen cooperation with strategic partners despite geopolitical uncertainty. Maintaining established visitor flows had been a priority, while tourism planning was adapted to changing conditions.

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has now begun preparing for 2027, with a focus on sustaining growth and attracting visitors from markets that have experienced declines. The longer-term objective is to improve the quality and sustainability of Cyprus’s tourism offering while ensuring that growth benefits local communities and supports the economy.

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