Cyprus Sets Tourism Record in 2024, Looks Forward to Continued Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 28, 2024

According to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis, in 2024, Cyprus recorded its highest-ever tourism performance for the first nine months of the year. Speaking at the inauguration of the Cyprus Airways Flying Academy in Larnaca, Koumis highlighted impressive growth in arrivals and revenue, attributing this success to dedicated efforts by tourism stakeholders amid challenges like Eastern Mediterranean instability and European economic conditions.

Despite early-year obstacles, Cyprus’s tourism numbers remain robust, with the winter season anticipated to increase over last year’s figures, which rose by 7%. Koumis noted that tourism facilities are extending their operations through mid-November, an unusual move that reflects the sector’s resilience.

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Looking forward, Koumis expects 2025 to bring even greater tourism growth. He cited extensive preparations for the upcoming summer season, as well as an expanding flight schedule that connects Cyprus to 39 countries through 55 airlines. While tensions in neighboring regions, particularly Israel, present uncertainties, Koumis is optimistic about the industry’s ability to adapt, emphasizing that Cyprus’s tourism sector is well-prepared to sustain its strong performance and deliver further growth in the coming years.

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Cypriots Celebrate Tsiknopempti With Record-High Meat Consumption

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Record Demand For Grilled Meats

In a striking display of culinary tradition, Cypriots celebrated Tsiknopempti with an explosive surge in meat consumption, particularly favoring pork souvlaki, ribs, and sausages. According to Costas Leivadoti, President of Meat Retailers, demand doubled compared to an ordinary day, especially for products ideal for grilling.

Consumer Preferences And Market Trends

Most shoppers gravitated toward familiar, easy-to-cook options such as sausages, ribs, steaks, and especially pork souvlaki, a pattern that has remained consistent in recent years. Purchasing activity began intensifying from Wednesday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Thursday, keeping butcher shops busy throughout the day. Indicative prices placed pork souvlaki at around €6 per kilogram, with volumes significantly higher than seasonal averages.

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Business Booms Beyond The Home

Heightened demand was also evident across the hospitality sector. Restaurants, taverns, and grill houses reported strong reservations, takeaway orders, and bookings. Several venues reached capacity or sold out of key menu items by midday, underscoring Tsiknopempti’s importance as one of the most profitable days of the year for food service businesses in Cyprus. Fanos Leventis, General Manager of the Owners Association of Leisure Centers, compared the day’s turnover to an additional weekend peak.

Diverse Celebratory Choices

While many adhered to the customary meat feast, some citizens opted for alternative culinary celebrations. The Animal Party (Κόμμα για τα Ζώα), in a public statement, encouraged adopting a plant-based approach by choosing vegetables, legumes, and other non-animal products. This suggestion adds an intriguing dimension to the cultural and commercial landscape of Tsiknopempti.

Maintaining Tradition Amid Changing Tastes

Alongside grilled meats, customary side dishes and sweets continued to feature prominently on festive tables. Local bakeries and specialty confectioners reported steady demand for both savory and sweet treats that traditionally accompany Tsiknopempti gatherings. Together, these elements highlight how the celebration remains both a cultural cornerstone and a significant economic boost for retailers and hospitality businesses across Cyprus.

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