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CPDA Advocates Direct State Grants for Green Home Upgrades Over Tax Exemption

Green Incentives: A Strategic Shift

The Cyprus Property Developers Association (CPDA) is urging the government to revise its approach to financing household green upgrades. Instead of the proposed €1,000 tax exemption per spouse or partner, CPDA recommends replacing it with direct state grants. According to the association, this measure would produce faster and more meaningful results in the transition toward more sustainable living environments.

Broader Access for a Sustainable Future

CPDA stresses that the subsidy should be independent of income or socio-economic criteria, cautioning that such restrictions could hinder participation and delay Cyprus’ progress toward achieving the EU’s “Fit for 55” climate targets. The association advocates for a scheme that supports the renovation of existing homes as well as new constructions built to modern environmental standards, ensuring equitable benefits for all property owners.

A Model Based on Proven International Success

Drawing on successful examples from Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, CPDA proposes that aid be closely aligned with the actual costs of green investments, subject to a defined ceiling. This approach is intended to maintain proportionality and fairness while ensuring the efficient use of public funds. The initiative aims to invigorate both the construction and renovation sectors, delivering positive ripple effects throughout the broader Cypriot economy.

Context and Fiscal Reform

The association’s recommendations emerged during a public consultation on a major tax reform package spearheaded by the Finance Ministry. This comprehensive reform, which forms a key component of the president’s pre-election programme, is designed to foster a fair, efficient, and sustainable economic system by addressing rising fiscal pressures, widening inequality, and the need for new investments.

Ensuring Compliance and Economic Revival

In developing the reform package, the Ministry relied on an independent study by the University of Cyprus’ Economics Research Centre (CypERC) and input from international experts to ensure compliance with EU state aid rules. The package—encompassing amendments to income tax, defence contributions, capital gains, tax certification and collection, and stamp duties—is aimed at bolstering social justice, curbing tax evasion, and stimulating entrepreneurship while restoring public trust in the tax framework.

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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