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Cypriot Municipalities Embrace Innovative Beach Management Model

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
July 23, 2025

New Model for Beach Management

Kourion and Limassol municipalities are set to adopt an operational model inspired by Ayia Napa, ensuring high-quality service for both locals and tourists while maintaining cost efficiency. This initiative, which was detailed by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce, is expected to redefine public beach management standards in Cyprus.

Quality Service at Affordable Rates

Kourion Mayor Pantelis Georgiou announced that the municipality will assume responsibility for services and facilities at Kourion and Lady’s Mile beaches, with the exception of areas adjacent to restaurants. The new framework guarantees that sunbeds in the municipally administered zones will be available at a nominal fee of €2.50, with visitors free to utilize personal equipment such as ice packs without disruption.

Environmental Considerations and Facility Upgrades

While Kourion beach has already been fitted with the necessary facilities, Lady’s Mile will see the installation of sunbeds post the turtle nesting season to ensure minimal environmental interference. In consultation with environmental experts, the initiative has also prioritized the construction of public toilets, offices for beach inspectors, and accessible amenities for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, recycling bins will cover approximately 80% of the beach area, promoting environmental sustainability through on-site waste segregation.

Expanding the Limassol Initiative

In Limassol, the municipality is managing a section of Olympia Beach that remains unleased to private operators. Mayor Yiannis Armeftis detailed plans to establish around 100 sunbed spots near the Thalassokoritso refreshment bar, in areas that are less commercialized and closer to the beach volleyball courts. Umbrellas are currently being installed with additional amenities scheduled to follow swiftly. This pilot project will run throughout the summer, with regulation oversight ensuring compliance with local laws.

Future Directions and Broader Implications

The municipal effort extends beyond immediate service provision. With ongoing coordination with British bases and plans for a comprehensive redesign of the Olympia coastal front, local authorities demonstrate a commitment to modernizing beach facilities in response to growing public demand. Meanwhile, Amathus Mayor Kyriakos Xydias is also exploring the feasibility of direct beach management, though he remains cautious about the financial implications given the fragmented nature of the beach sections.

Conclusion

This strategic shift in municipal beach management underscores a broader trend aimed at harmonizing service quality with environmental and economic sustainability. By setting a precedent for affordable, high-standard beach services, Cyprus is poised to enhance its reputation as a destination where effective governance and environmental respect go hand in hand.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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