Cyprus Recognised As Strong Innovator For Third Consecutive Year

Cyprus has maintained its position as a “Strong Innovator” in the European Innovation Scoreboard for the third consecutive year. Ranked 10th among EU member states, Cyprus achieved 106.3% of the European average, marking the highest growth in innovation performance across Europe since 2017. The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy reported increases in 15 of the 32 assessed indicators this year. Notably, Cyprus excelled in categories like “Linkages” and “Attractive research systems,” showcasing effective collaborations and robust research outputs.

Innovation Ecosystem and Government Policies

Deputy Minister Dr. Nicodemos Damianou highlighted the significant evolution and performance of Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem, attributing success to effective government policies. The country aims to create favourable conditions for scientists and entrepreneurs, ensuring that research and development spending translates into tangible benefits for society and the economy.

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Focus on Collaboration and Research Excellence

Cyprus was acknowledged as a top performer in “Linkages,” reflecting strong collaborations between innovative businesses and research institutions. Additionally, the country scored high in “Attractive research systems,” underscoring the quality of its international scientific publications and the presence of prestigious research institutions.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of continuously evaluating and improving the innovation ecosystem. Through a new impact assessment mechanism, the government aims to ensure that Cyprus’ trajectory in innovation remains on a path of substantial improvement, benefitting both the economy and society.

By maintaining its strong position in the European Innovation Scoreboard, Cyprus demonstrates its commitment to fostering a dynamic and innovative environment, driving progress and development across multiple sectors. This achievement reflects the country’s strategic focus on research, innovation, and collaborative growth, positioning it as a key player in the European innovation landscape.

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Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2026

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.

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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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