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Hellenic Bank Awarded Dual Environmental Certifications for Sustainability Efforts

Hellenic Bank has received dual environmental certifications this year, affirming its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and energy management.

The bank successfully completed the certification process for its Environmental Management System in line with the international ISO 14001 standard, as well as its Energy Management System under the ISO 50001 standard.

“With these two distinctions, Hellenic Bank has become the largest bank in Cyprus to achieve ISO 14001 certification, and remains the only bank in the country certified under ISO 50001 for all of its operations and activities across its buildings nationwide,” the bank said.

“These international standards, issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation, are recognised tools for effectively managing environmental impacts and for the continuous improvement of an organisation’s environmental performance.”

The announcement also mentioned that Hellenic Bank has held ISO 50001 certification since 2015, becoming the first organisation in Cyprus to receive it from the Cyprus Certification Company.

The Energy Management System provides a structured approach for the continuous improvement of energy performance, usage, and consumption.

The goal of this management approach is to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by the year 2030.

MOREOVER, the bank mentioned that the ISO 14001 certification “reinforces Hellenic Bank’s longstanding commitment to environmental protection, reducing its environmental footprint, and complying with relevant laws, regulations, and high environmental standards”.

“Hellenic Bank’s environmental strategy forms a central pillar of its corporate responsibility and is an integral part of its broader business strategy,” it added.

The dual certification now serves as a guide for adopting a holistic approach to managing environmental issues,” the announcement concluded.

2025: A Record-Breaking Year For Cyprus Tourism And A Strategic Roadmap For Sustainable Growth

Cyprus has witnessed an unprecedented surge in its tourism sector in 2025, a record year that has set a high benchmark for the future. At the heart of this success lies the government’s proactive strategy to maintain and amplify this positive momentum, as outlined by Kostas Koumis, the Deputy Minister of Tourism.

Strategic Vision and Regional Collaboration

During a pivotal meeting with regional stakeholders in Paphos, Deputy Minister Koumis elaborated on the challenges facing the tourism industry and unveiled comprehensive plans for 2026. Emphasizing the critical role of the Paphos region, he noted that its contributions have been instrumental in the overall success of Cyprus’s tourism narrative.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

According to Koumis, the cornerstone of ongoing success is the provision of an outstanding tourism experience. His remarks underscored a commitment to continuous dialogue with local councils and industry participants, ensuring every destination functions seamlessly and upholds high-quality service standards. New initiatives and innovative designs for the upcoming year have been introduced, alongside proposals designed to address longstanding operational challenges.

Infrastructure Investment and Future Projects

The Deputy Minister highlighted the significant performance of Paphos, where tourist arrivals surged by over 30%, underscoring its pivotal role in Cyprus’s tourism framework. Looking ahead to 2026, he discussed the broader challenges, including pressing issues like climate change, which demand a collective response. Koumis reassured stakeholders that there have been no lapses in local coordination. Regular evaluations cover critical aspects of each destination, confirming the government’s unwavering focus on service quality.

Marina Development and Strategic Timelines

Further bolstering the country’s tourism infrastructure, Koumis commented on the progress of the Paphos Marina project. He confirmed that the project is on schedule with contract signings anticipated in the first few months of 2027—a timeline that reflects not only efficient planning but also robust investment interest.

Insights From Faidonas Faidonos

Faidonas Faidonos, another key figure in the local tourism community, described 2025 as “an exceptionally good year,” crediting the favorable data as a strong foundation for future planning. The Paphos Mayor reinforced this sentiment, stating that moving forward, the focus for 2026 and beyond should transition from sheer volume to qualitative enhancements. The goal is not merely to attract tourists but to draw visitors whose spending significantly benefits the economy.

Enhanced Service and Operational Reforms

The Mayor also outlined critical infrastructure projects for the region, including the marina, a connecting road to the Paphos International Airport, and the airport’s expansion. These projects, slated to kick off in 2026, are expected to redefine the tourist experience, ensuring operational excellence and reducing previous service challenges—such as the long queues and high temperatures noted at the airport in 2025.

In conclusion, the strategic roadmap laid out for 2026 emphasizes decisive project implementation over prolonged planning cycles, marking a transformative period for Cyprus tourism. With a clear focus on quality and sustainable growth, Cyprus is positioning itself for enduring success in the global tourism market.

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