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Cyprus To host conference On cultural rights in Framework Of MED9 In September

A conference on ‘Cultural Rights in Times of Crisis – Contemporary challenges and perspectives’ will be held in Cyprus on 16 September, within the framework of the 9 Mediterranean Member States of the EU (MED9) Summit.

The conference is being organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Organisation for European Programmes and Cultural Relations and the University of Cyprus.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry of Culture,  the Conference will be followed by a closed online meeting of the Ministers of Culture of the MED9.

The aim of the conference, which will start with a keynote lecture by UN Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights Dr Alexandra Xanthaki and will bring together experts from both Cyprus and abroad, is to discuss the importance of safeguarding cultural rights and the Mediterranean cultural heritage, as well as to promote regional cultural cooperation in supporting artistic freedom in the spirit of cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, equality, and inclusiveness.

The conference will be inaugurated by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides and the Head of the Cultural Policy Unit of the European Commission Catherine Magnant.

The proceedings will take place on Monday, 16 September, at the University of Cyprus. The conference will be open to the public and includes a panel discussion with the participant experts.

As it is noted, acknowledging the political urgency of safeguarding cultural rights in times of crisis, particularly in the context of the accelerating pace of political, economic, climate, and technological challenges, the aim is that at the end of the meeting, the Ministers will adopt a Declaration on Cultural Rights.

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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