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Cyprus Tax Reform Ushers In A New Era Of Fiscal Sustainability And Economic Competitiveness

The government has introduced an expansive tax reform package to Members of Parliament, embodied in six comprehensive bills. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos underscored the package’s significance, describing it as the most far-reaching reform to date—one designed to secure long-term benefits for future generations.

Redressing Economic Imbalances And Fulfilling EU Obligations

The reform is anchored in a commitment to reduce inequality, correct entrenched fiscal distortions, and maintain compliance with European Union standards. Central to the initiative is the goal of redistributing the tax burden more equitably while simultaneously enhancing economic competitiveness and supporting household stability.

Legislative Process And Timing Considerations

Originally slated for final submission by the end of August, the tax reform bills received cabinet approval on October 29 and are now before the House Finance Committee. Despite timing challenges posed by forthcoming examinations of state and ministry budgets, the ministry remains on standby to supply additional clarifications to MPs, aiming for an objective evaluation that transcends partisan politics.

Targeted Benefits For Families And Businesses

The comprehensive reform package includes measures designed to ease household financial pressures—particularly for families with children—addressing key concerns such as housing, energy upgrades, and subsidized insurance for natural disasters and disabilities. Concurrently, business incentives have been bolstered through corporate tax improvements, the abolition of certain contributions, and measures intended to foster innovation and bolster capital investment.

Fiscal Projections And Long-Term Implications

While initial projections anticipated a surplus of €112 million from the reforms, revised estimates now suggest a more modest surplus of €18 million. Additionally, provisions such as the recalibration of non-domicile status and adjustments to non-taxable income thresholds are expected to enhance Cyprus’ overall competitiveness. The reform package is also linked to commitments under the national recovery and resilience plan, with an anticipated injection of €190 million in the first half of 2026.

The tax overhaul represents a decisive step toward creating a more balanced and robust economic environment—a move that promises to bolster fiscal sustainability while enriching the lives of Cyprus’ citizens.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

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.

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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