Cyprus’s Short-Term Rental Boom Spurs Sweeping Regulatory Overhaul

Rapid Market Expansion

In a dramatic shift within the Cypriot tourism sector, short-term rental properties have surged sixfold in under three years. With an estimated 12,000 to 13,000 properties on the market, only 8,375 currently comply with registration requirements enacted in July 2021. This unprecedented growth is prompting authorities to tighten regulatory oversight and reinforce tax compliance measures.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Key Trends and Regional Hubs

Data submitted by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism illustrates a notable upward trend: 4,765 accommodations were recorded by April 2023, providing 21,636 beds. This figure increased to 7,001 by April 2024 and reached 8,375 units by mid-May 2025. Leading the charge are Paphos and Famagusta, which together account for over two-thirds of the registered listings. Paphos boasts 3,957 rental units with 17,802 beds, while Famagusta follows with 1,702 properties and 8,728 beds. Other regions, including Larnaca, Limassol, and Nicosia, maintain substantial yet comparatively lower numbers.

Enhanced Enforcement and Compliance

The regulatory framework mandates that only officially registered properties, displaying their unique registration number in all advertisements, may be leased. Digital platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are compelled to enforce these rules, facing stringent penalties for unregistered listings. Since the commencement of inspections, authorities have documented 52 complaints against unlicensed operators, and the Tax Department has initiated focused audits addressing VAT, income tax, and other contributions.

Legislative Reform and Future Directions

In an effort to align national practices with an impending EU regulation due to be enforced on May 20, 2026, the parliamentary Commerce Committee is reviewing a landmark bill. This legislation will require platforms to provide regular, detailed reports on short-term rentals and compel landlords to disclose registration details transparently. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism is set to act as the principal regulatory authority, ensuring adherence to data registration and compliance requirements.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2026

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.