Revenue from tourism amounted to €1.13 billion in the first half of 2024 marking an increase of 4.2% year on year, data released by CySTAT show.

Based on the results of the Passengers Survey carried out by CySTAT, revenue from tourism in June 2024 reached €385.2 million compared to €361.5 mn in the corresponding month of the previous year, recording an annual increase of 6.6%.

The average expenditure per person stood at €798.77 in June 2024 compared to €791.03 in June 2023, recording an increase of 1%.

Tourists from the United Kingdom, which comprise Cyprus’ largest tourist market with 35.6% of the total tourists in June 2024, spent on average €94.66 per day, while tourists from Israel (the second largest market during the specific month with 10.7% of the total tourists) spent on average €146.16.

Tourists from Poland (the third largest market with 7.5%), spent on average €78.00 per day.

According to CySTAT, the average stay in June remained unchanged to 8.5 days.

The Council of Ministers has approved a bill to institute a Patient Advocate, with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, underlining, during the Cabinet meeting, the importance of the health sector as a key priority for the government.

President Christodoulides on 29 August explained that the independent institution of the Patient Advocate will have the authority to examine complaints and claims concerning patients’ rights, not only within the General Healthcare System (GHS) but also outside of it. It will also, he continued, be responsible, among many other things, for providing information and preparing relevant recommendations.

He also noted that the decision also establishes an Advisory Committee, whose mission will be to support the work and actions of the Patient Advocate, while at the same time the role and responsibilities of the Committees for the Examination of Patient Complaints will be strengthened.

Health Minister, Michael Damianos, speaking after the Cabinet meeting said that “with this bill, the Ministry of Health is taking a decisive step towards ensuring the rights of patients, both within and outside the GHS.”

He added that the innovations promoted through the proposed bill are crucial for strengthening patients’ rights and improving the quality of health services in the country.

Damianos urged the House of Representatives to proceed with its vote for the implementation of this important initiative that will have a direct positive impact on society.

The Minister of Health also announced a decree, as of 29 August, to repeal all measures relating to COVID 19 which remained in force, including the use of masks in hospitals and nursing homes.

Cyprus is contemplating the termination of its state-controlled gas import monopoly in a bid to resolve persistent energy challenges and inefficiencies in the market. The proposal aims to introduce private sector competition in the natural gas import sector, potentially leading to lower energy costs and a more efficient market structure. This move could also expedite Cyprus’s shift towards greener energy by fostering a more dynamic and competitive environment. The decision forms part of a broader strategy to modernize the island’s energy landscape and bolster energy security.

The idea of ending the monopoly is seen as a crucial step in addressing the current energy deadlock that has hindered the country’s progress in achieving a stable and affordable energy supply. With the state monopoly in place, the energy market has faced limitations that have slowed down the adoption of more sustainable energy practices and kept energy prices relatively high. By allowing private entities to participate in gas imports, Cyprus hopes to create a more competitive market that can better respond to the demands of consumers and the global energy market.

Additionally, opening up the gas market could attract foreign investment, further stimulating the economy and providing the necessary capital for energy infrastructure projects. This shift could also lead to a diversification of energy sources, reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and supporting its environmental commitments.

The potential policy change comes at a time when many countries are reevaluating their energy strategies in light of global economic pressures and the urgent need to address climate change. For Cyprus, the end of the gas import monopoly could mark a significant turning point in its energy policy, aligning the country more closely with European Union energy market regulations and sustainability goals.