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Government Achievements: Employment Surge And Falling Unemployment In Cyprus

The Cypriot government has achieved remarkable success in bolstering employment and reducing unemployment, according to Labour and Social Insurance Minister Yiannis Panayiotou. Over the past two years, employment in Cyprus has soared by 4.3%, reaching an all-time high of 79.8% in 2024, while unemployment has plummeted by 21%, settling at 4.9%.

Impactful Policies And Future Goals

During a comprehensive press conference on April 15, Minister Panayiotou highlighted the government’s dedication to a human-centric policy. Key outcomes include not only increases in employment and skilled workforce development but also a significant boost in average wages. For comparison, the national employment target of 80% by 2030, part of the European Pillar of Social Rights, is anticipated to be achieved as early as 2025.

Furthermore, noteworthy strides have been made in empowering women and youth in the workforce, hitting unprecedented employment figures for these groups. The youth employment rate, now at 87%, represents a historical peak.

Sustainability And Economic Growth

Skill development focusing on green and digital education has been amplified, with training programs expanding almost sevenfold. The surge in average wages—rising to just under €2,500 in 2024 from approximately €2,000 in the previous decade—demonstrates substantial economic growth. Meanwhile, the government has ensured that wage increases surpass inflation, thereby improving living standards.

Additionally, the government’s decision to raise the minimum wage to €1,000 further exemplifies its commitment to economic stability and social cohesion.

As Cyprus continues to shape its future, the government’s policies are undeniably building a solid foundation for a prosperous and sustainable economy.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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