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Impressive Growth in Cyprus Tourism Revenue: €223.3m in Q1 2024, Surging 11.7% YoY

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 11, 2024

Revenue from tourism reached an estimated €223.3m in January–March 2024, rising 11.7% compared to €200m in the first quarter of 2023, Cystat said.

Based on the results of its Passengers Survey, in March, revenue from tourism reached €113m, compared to €97.8m in the corresponding month of 2023, recording an increase of 15.5%.

The average expenditure per person was €558.88 in March 2024 compared to €530.72 in March 2023 (up 5.3%).

Tourists from the United Kingdom, again Cyprus’ largest tourist market with 31.8% of the total in March, spent on average €73.49 per day, while tourists from Poland, the second largest market with 10.4% of total tourists, spent on average €75.86.

Tourists from Germany, the third largest market with 9.8%, spent on average €98.66 per day, while tourists from Greece with 9% of the market, spent on average €43.37 per day.

Finally, tourists from Israel, the fifth place on the market with 8.2%, spent on average €143.21 per day.

Bank of Cyprus Invests €2 Million In 33East Investment Fund

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 26, 2024

The Bank of Cyprus has taken a significant step in supporting innovation and technology by becoming a founding financier in the 33East Investment Fund with a €2 million investment. This initiative is part of the Cyprus Capital Financing Fund, promoted by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The Fund aims to bridge the financial gap in the Cypriot market, primarily investing in start-ups and innovative companies.

Strategic Move for Innovation

The creation of the Cyprus Capital Financing Fund marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s economic landscape. The Ministry of Finance initiated this project to foster growth in sectors that traditionally face funding challenges. The Fund, with a projected size of €37.5 million, will benefit from a substantial state contribution of €27 million, financed mainly through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, while the remaining funds will come from private investments.

Collaboration with the European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) plays a crucial role in overseeing the Fund’s operation, ensuring that investments are strategically directed towards high-potential ventures. Through a competitive selection process, 33East was chosen by the EIB to manage the Fund, highlighting the confidence placed in their expertise and vision.

Bank of Cyprus’s Commitment

The participation of the Bank of Cyprus in this fund exemplifies its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the diversification of Cyprus’s economic model. Eliza Livadiotou, Executive Director of Finance at the Bank of Cyprus, expressed the bank’s enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and economic diversification.

Supporting Innovation and Start-ups

The investment by the Bank of Cyprus is expected to catalyse growth in the start-up ecosystem, providing much-needed capital to innovative enterprises. Demetrios Zoppos, co-founder of 33East, welcomed the bank’s involvement, recognising it as a significant boost for technology and innovation in Cyprus.

Government and Industry Support

George Pantelis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, emphasised the importance of the Fund and the role of the Bank of Cyprus in achieving a modern, knowledge-based economy. The collaboration between the public sector and financial institutions like the Bank of Cyprus is crucial for realising the vision of a dynamic and resilient economic environment in Cyprus.