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Cyprus Elevates Tourism Quality Ahead Of EU Council Presidency

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 11, 2025

Tourism Resilience And Recovery

Cyprus is poised to fortify the quality of its tourism offerings as it enters a pivotal phase of development. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis emphasized the nation’s robust recovery and remarkable growth during a gathering of the Association of Travel And Tourism Agents Of Cyprus (Actta) in Nicosia. He noted that the past three years have not only seen the industry rebound from pandemic setbacks but, in many instances, surpass pre-pandemic performance metrics.

Strategic Investments And Evolving Priorities

The Deputy Minister outlined several key initiatives driving this transition. Enhanced air connectivity across European markets, rising hotel overnight stays well above the EU average, and significant gains in tourism revenue underscore this upward trend. However, Koumis stressed that the government’s strategy is evolving—tourism success must now be measured by the depth and quality of the experiences offered rather than mere visitor numbers or revenue figures.

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Embracing Sustainability And Authenticity

According to Koumis, addressing seasonality, prioritizing digital upgrades, environmental sustainability, and robust local community support are crucial. These measures align with the EU’s Tourism Agenda 2030, which champions long-term sustainability and community enrichment. The Deputy Ministry has already allocated over €20 million through the Recovery And Resilience Facility (RRF) to upgrade rural and remote areas, enhance local accommodations, and foster authentic visitor experiences.

Preparing For A Modern Tourism Model

Recent initiatives—including a draft law on diving tourism, the launch of a national tourism app, a comprehensive study on medical tourism, and a project documenting Cyprus’ rich tourism history—demonstrate a strategic pivot toward strengthening the island’s unique destination attributes. As 2024 and 2025 set new benchmarks in visitor arrivals and revenue, industry leaders are now called upon to envision the next decade collectively. Koumis underscored the influential role of tour operators in promoting lesser-known regions and expanding authentic tourism products.

A Vision For Broader Prosperity

The overarching challenge remains ensuring that progress in tourism generates broad societal benefits. The commitment to cultivating a modern tourism model—one that enriches visitors with the genuine flavor of Cyprus while providing tangible advantages to local communities—illustrates a forward-looking strategy. As the nation prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency in 2026, Cyprus is set to redefine its tourism paradigm, building not only on performance metrics but on the intrinsic value of unique and sustainable experiences.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Rolls-Royce Raises Guidance As Defense And Power Systems Drive Growth

Rolls-Royce raised its full-year profit and cash flow guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected first-half results, supported by growth across its civil aerospace, defense and power systems businesses.

Underlying operating profit rose 46% year on year to £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) in the first six months of 2026, while revenue increased more than 24% to £11.3 billion.

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The company now expects full-year underlying operating profit of £4.7 billion to £4.9 billion, up from previous guidance of £4 billion to £4.2 billion. It also raised its free cash flow forecast to £3.8 billion to £4 billion, compared with £3.6 billion to £3.8 billion previously.

Shares rose as much as 6% in early trading before paring gains to trade about 4% higher.

Data Center Demand Supports Power Systems

Chief Financial Officer Helen McCabe told CNBC that orders in Rolls-Royce’s data center power business increased by more than 50% in the first half as operators invested in backup and on-site power systems.

The company has benefited from growing demand for power infrastructure as data center operators expand capacity.

Defense Spending Provides Additional Support

McCabe also said Rolls-Royce expects to benefit from higher defense spending in the U.K. and across NATO countries. She cited the U.K.’s long-term defense investment plan, which provides funding visibility through 2030 and beyond.

“We’ve had very positive initial conversations with the new government,” McCabe said, adding that the company supports its focus on growth, defense and industrial manufacturing.

Turnaround Continues

Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the company’s transformation strategy continued to deliver results. “Our transformation continues to deliver,” he said in a statement. “We have unlocked new growth opportunities across the Group.”