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Cyprus Introduces Tourism Strategy 2035 To Drive Sustainable Digital Growth

Strategic Vision Aligned With Economic Growth

Cyprus has officially adopted a forward-looking National Tourism Strategy extending to 2035, setting an ambitious goal of welcoming five million visitors. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis announced the initiative following a recent cabinet meeting, emphasizing significant quality upgrades and the strict observance of sustainable development principles. This expanded plan builds upon the 2030 strategy and is firmly aligned with the island nation’s broader economic ambitions.

Enhancing The Tourism Product For A Sustainable Future

The revised strategy outlines clear objectives: enhancing the tourism product, supporting sustainable growth, transforming Cyprus into a digitally smart destination, and reducing seasonality through year-round visitor distribution. Key investments will focus on the green transition, digital innovation, and essential infrastructure improvements, particularly in accessibility, to build a more resilient tourism ecosystem.

Immediate Implementation And Market Diversification

Deputy Minister Koumis confirmed that action plans are being fast-tracked. The strategy seeks not only higher arrival numbers but also a more even distribution of visitors across regions and seasons, reflecting a more balanced approach to tourism growth. In recent years, Cyprus has diversified its source markets and now attracts tourists from more than 40 countries through direct air links, while also strengthening its presence in emerging markets such as Kazakhstan.

Expanding Global Connections And Future Markets

Although direct air connectivity has broadened across many regions, significant potential remains in markets such as the United States, China, and India. Current efforts are focused on cultivating demand in these high-potential destinations before introducing direct flight routes, demonstrating a proactive expansion strategy.

Investing In Sustainability And Digital Innovation

Sustainability and technology remain central to the strategy. The deputy ministry is collaborating with the Technological University on the development of a national digital tourism guide application. Future action plans will include dedicated funding and active private-sector participation, positioning Cyprus as a leader in green and digital tourism transformation.

Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

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.

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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