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Tourism Sector Flourishes With Increasing Interest From Polish Market

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 22, 2024

Cyprus is witnessing a significant boost in tourism from Poland, with growing numbers of Polish tourists bolstering the sector. The Tourism Development and Promotion Company of the Famagusta Region, in collaboration with local hotels, recently participated in a roadshow organized by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. This event, held in Warsaw, Krakow, and Katowice, aimed to strengthen existing collaborations and showcase Cyprus as an attractive year-round destination.

The strategic focus on the Polish market has yielded positive results, thanks in part to the robust connectivity between Larnaca Airport and several Polish cities through direct flights. This ease of access has been crucial in attracting Polish tourists, enhancing both summer mass tourism and niche tourism throughout the year. The increased interest from Polish tour operators indicates a growing recognition of Cyprus as a prime holiday destination.

George Kafkalias, an official from the Famagusta Tourism Board, emphasized the potential of the Polish market to become one of the most significant sources of tourists for Cyprus. He highlighted the importance of building on the positive trends observed in recent years and continuing to invest in this market. According to Kafkalias, the connectivity between Larnaca Airport and various Polish destinations is a pivotal factor in further developing this market segment.

The efforts to tap into the Polish market are already showing promising results, with expectations that tourist arrivals from Poland in 2024 will surpass those of the previous year. This optimistic outlook is based on the increased interest from Polish tour operators and the positive feedback received during the roadshow.

The focus on promoting Cyprus’ diverse tourism offerings, including cultural experiences, natural attractions, and special interest tourism, has resonated well with Polish tourists. The emphasis on year-round tourism also aligns with the broader strategic goals of Cyprus’ tourism sector, aiming to reduce seasonality and promote sustainable tourism growth.

New Decrees For Blue Card And Foreign Students: Key Changes And Implications

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 20, 2024

The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance has announced a series of new measures aimed at addressing the increasing demands of Cyprus’ labor market. These initiatives are designed to attract highly skilled professionals from third countries and broaden employment opportunities for foreign students in select fields, as outlined in the recent Decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.

Attracting Skilled Professionals

One of the key updates is the introduction of a minimum annual salary for foreign professionals, which has been set at €43,632, 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Cyprus. This salary threshold applies to individuals coming to work in sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), pharmaceuticals for research purposes, and maritime industries (excluding skippers and crew).

Expanded Employment Options For Foreign Students

The new regulations also provide an update on the employment rights of foreign students. From December 2024, students from third countries will be able to work in Cyprus, with the new rules replacing the previous March 2024 start date.

Students studying ICT who have completed their first academic semester will be eligible to work in occupations related to their field of study, thereby gaining practical experience while pursuing their education.

In response to critical sector shortages, the regulations also clarify the specific occupations and salaries that Blue Card holders—third-country nationals—will be eligible for in Cyprus. The Blue Card, in line with the European Directive, allows highly skilled professionals to live and work in EU member states.

Strengthening The Labor Market and Economy

These updates are expected to bolster the supply of specialized workers in key sectors, addressing existing gaps and promoting the continued growth of Cyprus’ economy. At the same time, the new measures offer foreign students enhanced opportunities for professional development, facilitating their seamless integration into the country’s workforce.