Cyprus And Israel Forge Strategic Tourism Partnership For Winter Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 6, 2026

Cyprus and Israel have solidified their tourism partnership amid high-level discussions held in Israel during the International Tourism Fair IMTM. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis met with Tourism Minister Haim Katz to explore avenues for expanding visitor arrivals and deepening bilateral cooperation in the travel sector.

Expanding Tourism Horizons

During the visit, Koumis presented plans to further support winter arrivals and promote niche tourism segments. Meetings with industry partners highlighted the continued importance of the Israeli market, which remains one of the key contributors to Cyprus’ tourism performance.

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Impressive Growth Metrics

The figures reflect this momentum. In 2025, arrivals from Israel exceeded 588,000 visitors, making Israel the second-largest tourism market for Cyprus after the United Kingdom. This represents a 38.4% increase compared to 2024 and more than 112% growth over the past three years.

Average visitor spending also rose to €682 per trip, up 2.9% year-on-year and 13.4% over three years, highlighting the tangible economic contribution of Israeli tourism to Cyprus.

Strengthening Strategic Ties

Koumis noted that the Israeli market remains a priority due to its rapid development and strong potential for diversification. Talks focused not only on short-term opportunities but also on long-term cooperation, particularly in winter tourism and special interest travel. The aim is to maintain steady growth and reduce seasonality in arrivals.

High-Profile Engagements

The visit also included meetings with prominent figures, among them the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, as well as several media appearances. These engagements underscored both the diplomatic and cultural dimension of the trip, reinforcing broader ties beyond tourism alone.

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Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 22, 2026

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

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Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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