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Akamas Initiative Enters Second Year Of Enhanced Landowner Support And Environmental Preservation

Overview And Strategic Vision

The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has launched the second consecutive year of its Measure 1 initiative in the Akamas region. This program is designed to bolster landowners, protect the natural habitat, and promote sustainable development across key agricultural zones.

Program Details And Financial Incentives

Under Measure 1, eligible landowners and businesses will have access to an annual financial incentive of up to €6,600 per beneficiary, providing compensation aligned with the Local Akamas Plan. With a total budget of €25 million allocated over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028, the initiative will distribute funds through the Coordinating Office in Akamas.

The subsidy, calculated at €600 per hectare (or €60 per decare), is structured around rental rates for agricultural land. It rewards contributions to the preservation of local landscapes and biodiversity. While the program facilitates the continuation of agricultural activities, it mandates the maintenance of natural vegetation and prohibits any alterations or the erection of barriers that could disrupt the local environment.

Eligibility And Application Process

Participants must control land parcels within the confines of the Local Akamas Plan, covering a total of 93,460 decares across protection, agricultural, and livestock zones. Applications, available exclusively via the platform at www.support-akamas.com, will be accepted from October 1 to October 31, 2025. Both individuals and companies are eligible to apply, with a streamlined process that integrates automatic verification of land ownership via a validated CYlogin account.

For further assistance, stakeholders can contact the office at 22408952 or via email at support-akamas@moa.gov.cy.

Long-Term Impact And Community Benefits

The Ministry emphasizes that the continuation of this measure not only addresses a longstanding challenge but also reinforces the local community and ensures the preservation of Akamas’ natural wealth. By embedding sustainability and environmental stewardship into its core, the initiative serves as a model of integrated rural development and regional stability.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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