Cypriot SMEs Secure €138,878 To Propel Sustainable Tourism

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 11, 2025

Investment In Sustainability

The Cyprus Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (Keve) has announced a strategic allocation of €138,878 under the EU-funded I-STARS initiative, empowering 25 small and medium-sized tourism enterprises to integrate sustainability into their core operations. This well-timed intervention is designed to accelerate the green transition of Cyprus’ tourism sector.

Empowering Businesses With Targeted Support

Through a combination of targeted funding, technical guidance, and personalized support, the participating SMEs have successfully embarked on a comprehensive sustainability journey. The initiative has enabled these companies—from restaurants and hotels to travel agencies and resorts—to craft tailored action plans that enhance their environmental performance and overall operational resilience.

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Comprehensive Audits And Greener Practices

Key to the project were detailed food waste and energy audits, which have not only led to significant waste-reduction measures but also uncovered numerous energy-saving opportunities. By adopting these best practices, the firms have firmly positioned themselves to meet both immediate and long-term environmental goals.

Industry-Wide Impact And Strategic Alignment

The initiative underscores the fact that even small businesses can drive transformative change when equipped with the right tools and incentives. Participants have worked diligently to secure sustainability certifications and align their practices with international standards, thereby reinforcing the credibility and competitiveness of the region’s tourism industry.

Regional Collaboration And Future Prospects

The I-STARS project extends beyond Cyprus, also benefiting tourism enterprises in Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. This cross-regional effort not only fosters innovation but also ensures the enduring resilience of the European tourism ecosystem. To further illustrate its success, Keve has released a series of short videos on its YouTube channel, highlighting inspiring stories of local businesses that have embraced the green transition.

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Cyprus Ranks Among EU Leaders In Tertiary-Educated ICT Workforce

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 25, 2026

High Educational Attainment Sets Cyprus Apart

Recent data from Eurostat showed that Cyprus is expected to rank among the leading European countries for tertiary-educated ICT professionals in 2025. According to the figures, 96.4% of ICT professionals in Cyprus are projected to hold tertiary education qualifications, placing the country among the highest-ranked members of the European Union.

Gender Disparity Remains A Critical Challenge

Despite the high level of educational attainment, the ICT workforce in Cyprus continues to show a significant gender imbalance. Men are projected to account for 85.1% of ICT employees in 2025, while women are expected to represent 14.9% of the sector. In 2024, the split stood at 70.9% for men and 29.1% for women. The figures highlighted a widening gender gap within the country’s ICT workforce.

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European Union Trends And Comparative Analysis

Across the European Union, the number of ICT professionals is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2025 from 3.2 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 5.1%. Men are expected to account for 83.4% of ICT employment across the bloc, equivalent to approximately 2.8 million workers, while women are projected to represent 16.6%.

National Performance Variability In Gender Representation

Countries within the EU show a varied landscape: the highest percentages of male ICT professionals are reported in the Czech Republic (92.9%), Slovenia (89.1%), Latvia (89.0%), Lithuania (88.9%), and Slovakia (88.4%). On the contrary, nations such as Denmark (30.0%), Sweden (29.8%), Romania (28.6%), Bulgaria (25.6%), and Croatia (25.2%) lead in female participation in the ICT arena.

Educational Background Across The European ICT Sector

Eurostat data also showed that most ICT professionals across the EU hold tertiary education qualifications. By 2025, 74.8% of ICT workers in the bloc are projected to have university-level education, while 25.2% are expected to hold secondary or post-secondary qualifications. Denmark recorded the highest share of tertiary-educated ICT professionals at 97.7%, followed by France at 96.6% and Cyprus at 96.4%. Other countries with high levels of tertiary-educated ICT workers included Ireland at 92.3%, Bulgaria at 91.1%, and Croatia at 90.9%. At the lower end of the ranking, Italy recorded 69.2%, while Portugal stood at 58.8%.

Conclusion

The data perfectly encapsulates the dual narrative in the ICT sector: while countries like Cyprus and Denmark achieve remarkable educational standards among ICT workers, persistent gender disparities remind us that diversity remains an ongoing challenge. As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, strategic policy formation and corporate governance will be pivotal in balancing excellence with inclusivity.

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