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Cyprus Launches “Digital Citizen” App, Strengthening Ties with Greece on Digital Transformation

The Republic of Cyprus marked a significant step in its digital evolution with the launch of the “Digital Citizen” application on December 5. Built to the standards of Greece’s “Gov.gr Wallet,” the app represents a deepening collaboration between Cyprus and Greece in digital transformation, according to a joint statement by Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance.

The new app is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store. This milestone follows a memorandum of understanding between the two ministries, aimed at sharing expertise, best practices, and know-how in developing digital tools and services for citizens.

Looking ahead, the “Digital Citizen” and “Gov.gr Wallet” applications are expected to achieve full interoperability by the first quarter of 2025. Once operational, digital documents from both platforms will be mutually recognised, streamlining identification and transactions for citizens in Cyprus and Greece.

Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, called the “Digital Citizen” app a pivotal achievement, describing it as “the Cypriot equivalent of our Gov.gr Wallet.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration in the digital sphere, stating that the exchange of expertise and innovative practices is crucial for addressing challenges at a European level.

“Digital transformation is a multidimensional effort,” Papastergiou said. “Our partnership sets an example for how countries can tackle significant issues collaboratively, delivering the best outcomes for their citizens.”

The launch of the “Digital Citizen” app underscores the shared commitment of Cyprus and Greece to embracing technology and enhancing the lives of their citizens through innovative solutions.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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