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Cyprus Shines at SLUSH 2024: A Regional Innovation Powerhouse

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is proudly leading a dynamic Cypriot delegation at SLUSH 2024, one of the world’s most prestigious innovation and entrepreneurship festivals, held in Helsinki, Finland, on November 20-21, 2024.

SLUSH 2024 serves as a global melting pot for entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, creating a fertile ground for collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge ideas. Representing Cyprus are over 40 participants, including 18 promising startups and scaleups, eager to present their groundbreaking solutions to an international audience.

Heading the Cypriot delegation is RIF Board Member Andreas Andreou. In collaboration with organizations from Bulgaria and Greece, RIF co-organized a compelling side event titled “Breaking Boundaries: SEE Tech Meets the World at Slush”. This initiative not only highlighted Cyprus’s thriving tech ecosystem but also fostered cross-border partnerships with Southeast European neighbours.

During the event, RIF’s Director General, Theodoros Loukaidis, positioned Cyprus as a burgeoning regional hub for innovation and technology. He emphasized the country’s government-backed incentives and significant investments that fuel its entrepreneurial spirit, cementing its reputation as a leader in the Mediterranean tech landscape.

A key highlight was the presentation by RIF Scientific Officer A’, Georgia Kleanthous, who introduced the innovative work of the 18 participating Cypriot companies. Her insights showcased the potential of these startups and scaleups to disrupt industries and deliver value on a global scale.

The event culminated in a networking reception, providing Cypriot businesses with valuable opportunities to connect with international clients and investors. These connections are expected to pave the way for collaborative ventures and accelerated growth for Cyprus’s innovation sector.

Cyprus’s participation in SLUSH 2024 underscores its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, solidifying its position as a tech-forward nation ready to make its mark on the global stage.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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