Larnaca’s Tourism Sector Poised For Growth In 2026, Says Chamber President

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 21, 2026

Dr. Nakis Antoniou, President of the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has outlined a bright outlook for Larnaca’s tourism sector in 2026, emphasizing that positive factors are aligning for robust growth in the city.

Cultural Capital as a Catalyst

The recent honor of being named the European Cultural Capital for 2030 is expected to significantly boost tourist arrivals. This prestigious accolade not only enhances Larnaca’s profile but also fosters an environment where cultural tourism can thrive.

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Investment in Boutique Hotel Developments

Antoniou noted that there have been approximately 20 proposals for the establishment of small luxury hotels or boutique accommodations within the city. These projects often repurpose existing structures to create unique lodging experiences that encourage visitors to explore local dining, cafes, and the city’s picturesque neighborhoods. This strategic shift promises to stimulate the local economy by directing tourism benefits to a wider range of local businesses.

Marina Developments and Infrastructure Enhancements

In tandem with the hotel investments, enthusiasm is growing around plans for the city’s marina. Discussions are currently underway with Greece’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works, with a pilot study on the marina’s development being led by the Greek Public Investment Fund. Additionally, the prospect of a legal endorsement for a proposal by Panos Alexandrou, CEO of Prosperity Group CY Ltd, signals further commitment to transforming Larnaca’s port and marina into a vibrant center of economic activity.

Enhanced Connectivity for a Growing City

Another major boost to Larnaca’s tourism prospects is the imminent completion of the third phase of the Larnaca – Dekeleia coastal road project. This new infrastructure is expected to not only improve local and international access but also to facilitate greater movement of tourists throughout the city, reinforcing Larnaca’s reputation as a prime travel destination.

Outlook: A Promising Future

With escalating investments, enhanced infrastructure, and a renewed focus on cultural assets, local investors and business leaders are confident in Larnaca’s upward trajectory. Dr. Antoniou concluded that the combination of these developments, along with the removal of longstanding environmental challenges along the seafront, positions Larnaca for sustained tourism growth and economic prosperity.

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Cypriots Report Growing Economic Concerns In New Eurobarometer Survey

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 11, 2026

Eurobarometer Survey Reveals Stark Economic Outlook

A comprehensive Eurobarometer survey conducted between March 12 and April 1, 2026, has revealed significant economic and institutional challenges in Cyprus ahead of Europe Day. The study, which included 506 interviews in Cyprus as part of a pan-European sample of 26,415 citizens, underscores a pronounced economic pessimism and declining trust in national and European institutions.

Economic Sentiment And Future Projections

More than half of Cypriots, or 53%, described the country’s economic situation negatively, while 46% expressed a positive assessment. Across the European Union, by comparison, 60% of respondents viewed their national economies positively and 38% negatively.

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Economic pessimism also increased sharply compared with autumn 2025. Around 51% of Cypriots said they expect the economy to deteriorate further over the next year, marking a 23 percentage point increase from the previous survey period. Only 11% anticipated economic improvement.

Despite broader concerns about the economy, perceptions of personal financial conditions remained relatively stable. Around 75% of respondents described their household financial situation positively, while 60% said they expect employment conditions to remain stable over the coming year.

Main Challenges And Priorities For Action

The cost of living remained the leading concern among Cypriot respondents at 36%, followed by developments in the Middle East at 30%, the national economy at 24%, migration at 23% and housing at 21%. Across the EU more broadly, respondents prioritised instability in the Middle East, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and migration.

Regarding policy priorities, Cypriots said EU spending should focus primarily on employment, social policy and healthcare, alongside education, youth initiatives, housing and security.

Institutional Distrust And European Identity

Trust in national institutions remained low throughout the survey. Only 31% of respondents said they trust the government, while confidence in parliament stood at 22%. At the same time, 74% expressed distrust toward parliament.

Views toward the European Union also remained divided. Around 39% of Cypriots said they trust the EU, compared with 54% who said they do not, although this represented a slight improvement from autumn 2025.

The survey additionally pointed to a stronger sense of local and national identity than European identity. While 92% said they feel connected to their local communities and 95% to Cyprus itself, only 52% reported feeling attached to the EU and 45% identified with Europe more broadly.

Digital Security And Divergent Foreign Policy Views

Concerns about digital safety also remained elevated, with 53% of respondents saying major online platforms are not doing enough to remove illegal or harmful content. Another 45% said existing user protection measures remain insufficient.

The survey also revealed notable differences between Cypriot and wider EU attitudes toward the war in Ukraine. Although 77% supported accepting refugees and 70% backed humanitarian and economic assistance, support for sanctions against Russia stood at only 30%, significantly below the EU average.

Support for military assistance to Kyiv remained particularly low at 18%, while only 41% of respondents supported Ukraine’s future EU membership compared with 56% across the bloc.

Conclusion

The findings reflect growing economic anxiety and continued institutional scepticism in Cyprus amid broader geopolitical uncertainty across Europe and the Middle East. At the same time, the survey showed that Cypriots remain highly focused on domestic economic stability, social policy and cost-of-living pressures as key priorities for the years ahead.

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