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CIFA: A Year Of Strategic Growth And Opportunity For Investment Funds In 2025

The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) is stepping into 2025 with renewed confidence, building on the significant achievements of the past years. Despite the global uncertainties that continue to unfold, Cyprus’ Investment Funds sector has firmly established itself as a vital contributor to the nation’s economic and social prosperity.

In 2024, Cyprus reached a major milestone, surpassing €9.3 billion in assets under management. This remarkable achievement highlights the sector’s impressive growth and resilience. The year also marked an expansion of Cyprus’ global presence, attracting new fund managers and investment opportunities, further cementing its status as a leading European hub for Investment Funds. This success was driven by strategic collaborations and the dedicated efforts of professionals within the sector, fostering the creation of specialized job roles and reinforcing Cyprus’ position as a robust financial centre.

Looking ahead to 2025, CIFA remains fully committed to promoting Cyprus as the premier destination for global investment funds. By working alongside key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, and Invest Cyprus, CIFA aims to enhance the regulatory framework and drive innovative solutions for the industry. The timely approval of pending legislation that modernizes regulatory processes and introduces new investment structures is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the sector. These updates will provide the industry with the necessary tools to stay competitive and aligned with international best practices. CIFA urges all stakeholders to prioritize this agenda to ensure Cyprus continues to attract high-quality investments and talent.

In addition, CIFA recognises the importance of equipping individuals and businesses with essential financial knowledge. In 2025, the association plans to roll out initiatives designed to boost financial literacy across Cyprus. These will include workshops, partnerships, and digital campaigns aimed at enhancing understanding of investment funds and financial planning. By empowering citizens and professionals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, CIFA is contributing to the long-term economic resilience of Cyprus.

Maria Panayiotou, President of CIFA, shares her outlook for the year: “The success of the Investment Funds sector is a reflection of our adaptability, innovation, and ability to thrive in a competitive global market. In 2025, our focus will be on sustainability, technology-driven solutions, and strengthening our partnerships across markets. Our goal is to drive economic growth while delivering lasting value for society. With the combined expertise and dedication of our sector, I am confident that we will continue to play a transformative role in Cyprus’ economy, fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all.”

As Cyprus embarks on a year of revitalisation and resilience, CIFA remains steadfast in advocating for the interests of its members, elevating Cyprus on the international stage, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development within the financial sector. The association calls on all stakeholders to collaborate in advancing the innovation, sustainability, and resilience that will define Cyprus’ financial future.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

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.

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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