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Cyprus Presidency 2026 Paves The Way For Strategic Tourism And Hospitality Boost

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 16, 2025

Strategic Opportunity For The Hospitality Sector

The upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, scheduled for the first half of 2026, is set to deliver significant benefits to the nation’s hotel and tourism industry. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna emphasized that local hoteliers will serve as the linchpin in this endeavor, utilizing their professionalism and service excellence to elevate Cyprus’s international reputation in tourism.

A Platform For International Recognition

Speaking with Entrepreneurial Limassol, a periodical of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce (Evel), Raouna outlined that the Presidency is not just a test of Cyprus’s hospitality but a strategic opportunity for global exposure. With over 250 meetings scheduled—from ministerial councils to informal gatherings of EU Heads of State and Government—and more than 20,000 delegates from the 27 member states expected, this event offers a rare chance for Cyprus to demonstrate its stability, security, and commitment to excellence.

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Leveraging Infrastructure And Local Expertise

Efforts are already under way to ensure that the entire nation benefits. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism is collaborating with the Presidency Secretariat to launch tenders for hotels and venues across various provinces, thereby engaging hoteliers in a competition that spans the entire island. This initiative not only enhances infrastructure across different regions but also supports local businesses and the broader food industry, thereby delivering a multiplier effect across the economy.

A New Era In European Tourism Policy

This significant event coincides with the upcoming presentation of the European Commission’s new EU Tourism Strategy in early 2026. The introduction of a dedicated European Commissioner for tourism marks a historical milestone and sets the stage for a highly competitive, sustainable, and inclusive tourism model within Europe. Cyprus intends to leverage this momentum to enrich its national tourism agenda and contribute meaningfully to shaping future EU policies.

Collaborative Dynamics For A National Mission

Beyond the formal meetings, a series of curated excursions will promote the cultural heritage and natural beauty of all provinces, ensuring that the benefits of the Presidency extend well beyond Nicosia. The collaboration between the government and key industry players such as the Cyprus Hotel Association has been described as both productive and essential. As Deputy Minister Raouna aptly noted, the success of the Cyprus Presidency will not only reflect the strength of Cyprus’s tourism sector but will also encapsulate the collective ambition of the nation.

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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.