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

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.

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.

Cyprus-Based ASBIS Hits Record $1.05bn In Monthly Revenue, Up 216% Year On Year

The technology distributor ASBIS Group, headquartered in Limassol, has exceeded $1 billion in monthly sales for the first time in its history, reporting preliminary consolidated revenue of $1.05 billion in September 2026, more than three times the amount recorded a year earlier.

The figure represents a 216% increase from $332 million in September 2025, making it the highest-revenue month in the company’s history.

ASBIS reported its strongest sales growth in servers and server components, while CEO Serhei Kostevitch pointed to growing demand for artificial intelligence solutions and computing infrastructure as an opportunity for the business.

For a company operating across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, September marked a new sales milestone following several months of substantial year-on-year growth.

Kostevitch attributed the record performance to the group’s existing operations, highlighting its broad product portfolio, international market presence and strong relationships with manufacturers and trading partners.

“Most importantly, this result is the outcome of our regular operating activities,” he said.

The CEO also highlighted the company’s portfolio of projects as a reason for confidence in continued AI-related development.

However, the group’s growth was not limited to AI-related technologies. Smartphones also performed strongly in September, with Kostevitch stressing that “we are growing beyond the AI segment as well.”

Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine accounted for the largest shares of ASBIS’s September revenue, followed by Slovakia and Poland.

Growth Follows Record First Half

September’s results follow a period of strong financial performance for ASBIS.

In July, the company reported preliminary consolidated revenue of $531 million, an increase of 89% compared with the same month in 2025. August brought a further rise to $604 million, up 91% year on year.

September’s $1.05 billion figure represents a substantial increase on both months, although the company has not provided a detailed breakdown explaining the acceleration.

The results also follow a record first half of 2026, when ASBIS generated approximately $2.97 billion in consolidated revenue, up 76% year on year.

Net profit after tax reached $80.6 million, compared with $19.4 million in the same period in 2025.

The second quarter was particularly strong, with revenue reaching $1.69 billion, an increase of 78.7%, while quarterly net profit more than tripled to $44.3 million.

ASBIS has emphasised that its September revenue figures are preliminary estimates and may differ from the final reported results.

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