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Cyprus Industrial Production Expands With Diverse Sector Gains In March

Robust Annual Growth Recorded

Cyprus Statistical Service reported a 4.7% annual increase in industrial production during March, with the industrial production index reaching 116.7 points based on 2021 as the benchmark year. The figure exceeded levels recorded in March 2025 and reflected continued growth across several major industrial sectors.

Quarterly Improvements And Overall Impact

Growth recorded during March contributed to a 1.5% increase in industrial production during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. According to Cystat, the data indicate continued momentum across Cyprus’s broader industrial sector despite uneven performance between individual industries.

Sector-Specific Breakdowns

Electricity supply recorded the strongest annual increase in March, rising by 19%. Mining and quarrying activity increased by 9.2%, while water supply and materials recovery rose by 3.9%. Manufacturing activity also expanded, recording a 2.8% increase compared with March 2025.

Manufacturing Trends And Challenges

Within manufacturing, production of basic metals and fabricated metal products rose by 8.5%. Rubber and plastic products increased by 7.1%, while other non-metallic mineral products recorded growth of 4.5%. Food, beverages and tobacco production also rose by 3.5%. At the same time, machinery and equipment manufacturing, motor vehicles and transport equipment production declined by 4.8%. Furniture manufacturing and machinery repair and installation activity also recorded annual declines of 3.9%.

Year-To-Date Sector Performance

For the January to March period, water collection, treatment and supply recorded the strongest increase at 10.1%. Electricity supply rose by 7.4%, while production of basic metals and fabricated metal products increased by 6.4%. Furniture manufacturing and related sectors declined by 6.2%, while machinery and equipment production fell by 5.4%. Textiles, clothing and leather products also remained under pressure, recording a 4.7% decline during the first quarter.

Conclusion

The latest data reflects continued expansion across several key industrial sectors in Cyprus, particularly electricity supply, mining and metal production. At the same time, weaker performance in machinery, furniture and consumer goods manufacturing highlights ongoing challenges across parts of the industrial economy.

Paphos Tourism Board Reports Strong Uptake For Smart Signage Programme

The Paphos regional board of tourism (Etap Paphos) says its smart signage programme continues to attract strong visitor engagement, highlighting the growing role of digital tools in destination management and tourism experiences.

Designed to replace traditional information boards with interactive and environmentally friendly signage, the initiative aims to improve access to information while supporting a more sustainable visitor experience.

QR Code Engagement Continues To Rise

Between January and June 2026, visitors recorded more than 43,000 QR code scans across 150 smart signs installed throughout the district.

Usage remained strong throughout 2025, with the network generating more than 140,000 scans between January and December, indicating that the platform has become an established part of the region’s tourism offering.

Top Destinations Attract The Most Interest

Data from Etap Paphos show that the most frequently accessed locations in 2025 included Panagia Chrysopolitissa, the Monastery of Agios Neophytos, Kremmiotis Waterfall in Kritou Terra, the Catacomb of Agia Solomoni and the Maa-Palaiokastro archaeological site in the Municipality of Akamas.

Among international users, the largest numbers of scans came from visitors from the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Israel and Greece, excluding permanent residents of Cyprus.

Expansion Continues In 2026

Further expansion is planned this year, with the seventh phase of the programme already underway.

Eight additional smart signs are scheduled for installation at points of interest and natural landmarks in Nikokleia, Pelathousa, the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, Letymbou and the Municipality of Akamas.

By scanning a QR code, visitors can access content in their preferred language through a smartphone or tablet. Available features include audio guides, written information, photographs, videos and 360-degree virtual tours.

Digitalisation As A Tourism Strategy

According to Etap Paphos, digitalisation remains a key pillar of its broader tourism strategy, alongside accessibility, sustainable development, cultural heritage promotion, creative tourism and destination marketing.

These initiatives form part of the organisation’s long-term efforts to strengthen Paphos’ position as a year-round destination while enhancing the visitor experience through technology.

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