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Larnaca Launches Bold 2026 Tourism Expansion Amid Regional Tensions

Larnaca is rolling out its 2026 tourism plan, focusing on targeted promotion, local upgrades and sustainability as the sector faces pressure from regional tensions.

Strategic Vision For Tourism Growth

According to Nana Asmeni Pavlou, director of the Larnaca Tourism Board (Etap), the strategy is designed to remain flexible as market conditions change. The programme allows adjustments based on current developments and the needs of the tourism sector.

Targeted Marketing And Digital Elevation

A key part of the plan is expanding digital marketing. Etap is working with international influencers and increasing its use of online promotion to reach priority markets, including the United Kingdom and countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The focus is on strengthening visibility while adapting campaigns to different audiences.

Local Value And Cultural Investment

Alongside promotion, the plan includes projects aimed at improving the visitor experience across both urban and rural areas. In Larnaca town, new sculptures are being installed at the Mediterranean Artists’ Park, along with historically themed street art. In villages such as Pano Lefkara, Vavla, Tochni, Athienou and Kalavasos, projects focus on better signage, upgraded public spaces and the restoration of local heritage elements.

Sustainable Development And Environmental Initiatives

Sustainability remains part of the programme. Work is continuing along Oroklini Beach under the “Enriching and Greening the Beaches” initiative, which contributed to Larnaca being named Green City of Cyprus 2025. Additional measures include tree planting, new visitor facilities and recycling initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Larnaca’s approach combines promotion with local investment and environmental measures, as authorities seek to maintain competitiveness in a changing tourism market.

Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

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