Daleela Ferry Resumes Cyprus-Greece Route in 2025: Navigating New Horizons

by News Editor

May 30, 2025

Setting Sail Again: The Daleela Ferry Connects Cyprus and Greece

The Daleela ferry is back on the waves, resuming its pivotal route between Cyprus and Greece this Saturday from Limassol to Piraeus. Embarking on the first of 22 planned crossings this summer, this maritime service is now entering its fourth season, an enduring link in Mediterranean travel.

A Key Initiative for Connectivity

This service reactivation comes on the heels of an announcement by Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis, alongside Scandro Holding Ltd, continuing a government partnership until 2027. This vital route is more than just transport; it’s a lifeline for those who find flying challenging due to various reasons such as age or medical issues. According to Minister Hadjimanolis, “It’s classified as a service of general economic interest, with €5.5 million annual support.”

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

Strong Demand Sets Sail

The vessel will carry 187 passengers, 66 vehicles, 36 motorcycles, and 8 pets. Demand is robust, with over 6,500 tickets already sold and full booking for August, while opportunities for travel still exist in June and July. The season finale is slated for September 2 from Piraeus.

A Steady Rise in Popularity

Operated under a €15.6 million contract awarded in 2022 to Scandro Holding Ltd—a joint venture between Limassol-based Acheon Akti Navigation and Nicosia’s Top Kinisis Travel—the ferry’s popularity is clear. Over the last three years, 22,582 passengers, 7,641 vehicles, and 772 pets have used this service. As Scandro director Charalambos Manoli notes, “The ferry shows how much people embrace this service. Our aim is to enhance both the journey and the service each year.”

Challenges and Hopes for the Future

The ferry presents a valuable alternative for travelers, ensuring ease for families, the elderly, and pet owners who may not wish to fly. Some logistical issues remain, particularly related to land transfers within ports, yet the overall reception is promising. Hadjimanolis hopes the maritime industry will continue the route post-subsidy, envisioning it as a stepping stone for additional links in the region.

Interested in how Cyprus is optimizing for growth? Check out how the labor market is advancing.

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.