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Cyprus Tech Sector Propels Economic Growth and Reshapes Talent Landscape

Robust Economic Expansion

At the recent TechIsland Summit, Christophoros Anayiotos, Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG Cyprus, delivered a compelling assessment of the island’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The 2024 report highlights that the technology sector now contributes 16% of Cyprus’ total Gross Value Added (GVA), up from 12.6% in the previous year. Overall, the sector’s economic impact is estimated at €8.5 billion, with direct contributions of €4.7 billion and an additional €3.8 billion generated indirectly.

Sectoral Contributions and Productivity

Using the Leontief Input-Output Model, the study covers key areas including ICT, professional scientific and technical activities, as well as tech-driven financial and insurance services. Notably, the ICT segment itself delivers €3.4 billion in direct GVA, while professional services and financial operations contribute €840 million and €505 million respectively. This horizontal spread of technological influence underscores the industry’s pivotal role in driving multifaceted business growth.

Resilience During Economic Downturns

Even amid challenging economic conditions, the tech sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the pandemic-stricken year of 2020, while the broader Cypriot economy contracted by 3%, the ICT sector experienced a robust growth rate of 21%. This momentum accelerated further to a striking 38% growth in 2021, reinforcing technology’s role as a stabilizing economic force.

Divergent Trends in Employment

Anayiotos’ analysis reveals that the tech sector now sustains over 62,000 full-time equivalent jobs in Cyprus, with 45,900 direct and 16,300 indirect roles. For every €1 million in increased sector revenue, approximately 13 jobs are generated. Despite the overall employment surge, there has been a significant shift in workforce composition. In 2015, Cypriot nationals comprised 88% of ICT employees; by 2024, this figure dropped to 50%, with non-EU nationals accounting for 42% and other EU citizens 8% of the workforce.

Cyprus as an EU Leader in ICT

Cyprus now holds a prominent place in the EU, ranking second in the EU27 for ICT’s share of national GVA at 11.4%, a notable rise from 9.4% in 2023. Furthermore, the island leads the bloc in ICT GVA growth, posting a remarkable 347% increase between 2015 and 2024. With a top-five ranking in GVA per ICT employee—whereby each contributes approximately €130,000, compared to the EU average of €116,000—the country’s technology workforce has expanded at an annual growth rate of 12.1%, from 9,300 in 2015 to 26,000 in 2024.

Strategic Imperatives for Future Growth

Anayiotos emphasizes the need for strategic enhancements to sustain this expansion. Key recommendations include improving air connectivity, joining the Schengen Area to boost mobility, and attracting more international banking institutions. Additionally, introducing tax incentives designed to favor stock options is considered crucial in luring and retaining skilled talent. Addressing the limited capacity in private education is also vital to accommodating professionals relocating with families.

Investing in Talent and Digital Transformation

Looking forward, investments in education and digital upskilling remain paramount. There is a clear call for a national initiative aimed at promoting STEM careers, elevating the digital skills of both students and educators, and accelerating the digital transformation of public services. Moreover, streamlining legal procedures will be critical to improving the overall business climate and competitiveness.

2025: A Record-Breaking Year For Cyprus Tourism And A Strategic Roadmap For Sustainable Growth

Cyprus has witnessed an unprecedented surge in its tourism sector in 2025, a record year that has set a high benchmark for the future. At the heart of this success lies the government’s proactive strategy to maintain and amplify this positive momentum, as outlined by Kostas Koumis, the Deputy Minister of Tourism.

Strategic Vision and Regional Collaboration

During a pivotal meeting with regional stakeholders in Paphos, Deputy Minister Koumis elaborated on the challenges facing the tourism industry and unveiled comprehensive plans for 2026. Emphasizing the critical role of the Paphos region, he noted that its contributions have been instrumental in the overall success of Cyprus’s tourism narrative.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

According to Koumis, the cornerstone of ongoing success is the provision of an outstanding tourism experience. His remarks underscored a commitment to continuous dialogue with local councils and industry participants, ensuring every destination functions seamlessly and upholds high-quality service standards. New initiatives and innovative designs for the upcoming year have been introduced, alongside proposals designed to address longstanding operational challenges.

Infrastructure Investment and Future Projects

The Deputy Minister highlighted the significant performance of Paphos, where tourist arrivals surged by over 30%, underscoring its pivotal role in Cyprus’s tourism framework. Looking ahead to 2026, he discussed the broader challenges, including pressing issues like climate change, which demand a collective response. Koumis reassured stakeholders that there have been no lapses in local coordination. Regular evaluations cover critical aspects of each destination, confirming the government’s unwavering focus on service quality.

Marina Development and Strategic Timelines

Further bolstering the country’s tourism infrastructure, Koumis commented on the progress of the Paphos Marina project. He confirmed that the project is on schedule with contract signings anticipated in the first few months of 2027—a timeline that reflects not only efficient planning but also robust investment interest.

Insights From Faidonas Faidonos

Faidonas Faidonos, another key figure in the local tourism community, described 2025 as “an exceptionally good year,” crediting the favorable data as a strong foundation for future planning. The Paphos Mayor reinforced this sentiment, stating that moving forward, the focus for 2026 and beyond should transition from sheer volume to qualitative enhancements. The goal is not merely to attract tourists but to draw visitors whose spending significantly benefits the economy.

Enhanced Service and Operational Reforms

The Mayor also outlined critical infrastructure projects for the region, including the marina, a connecting road to the Paphos International Airport, and the airport’s expansion. These projects, slated to kick off in 2026, are expected to redefine the tourist experience, ensuring operational excellence and reducing previous service challenges—such as the long queues and high temperatures noted at the airport in 2025.

In conclusion, the strategic roadmap laid out for 2026 emphasizes decisive project implementation over prolonged planning cycles, marking a transformative period for Cyprus tourism. With a clear focus on quality and sustainable growth, Cyprus is positioning itself for enduring success in the global tourism market.

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