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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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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.