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Cyprus: The Rising Star of European Tourism in 2025

by News Editor

May 15, 2025

At the dawn of 2025, Cyprus is making waves in the European tourism sector, boasting an impressive 15.4% increase in international arrivals from the previous year. This trend aligns with the broader appeal of Southern and Mediterranean Europe, renowned for its warm climates and burgeoning off-season travel opportunities.

According to the European Travel Commission, the momentum seen during the first quarter of 2025 highlights the robust resurgence of European tourism, which had bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. In contrast, European arrivals increased by 4.9% year-on-year, while overnight stays saw a 2.2% bump.

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Despite prevailing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and U.S. tariffs, travel demand remains steadfast, driven by destinations offering significant value and experiences beyond peak seasons. This winter, destinations like Slovakia and Norway experienced notable increases in tourists, echoing the resilience seen in countries such as Cyprus.

In particular, Cyprus’s tourism has thrived, largely fueled by an influx of visitors from Poland and Romania. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis noted record numbers from the Polish market, which surged by 80% compared to 2022. For more about Cyprus’s strategic positioning in Europe, check out Cyprus Joins Schengen: What This Means For Investment, Real Estate.

Looking ahead, Cyprus aims to transform into a year-round tourist destination, focusing on expanding beyond peak summer months and enhancing special-interest travel offerings. With direct flights now connecting seven Romanian cities to Cyprus’ Larnaca and Paphos, it seems this Mediterranean gem is set to sparkle even brighter.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

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In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.