Pitout Champions Cyprus As Cruise Tourism Flourishes

Cyprus Emerges As A Regional Maritime Hub

Port of Limassol welcomed the Marella Discovery II, marking the start of the 2026 cruise season in Cyprus. DP World Limassol CEO Simon Pitout said the development reflects the port’s role in regional cruise operations and its position within the Eastern Mediterranean.

Innovative Fly And Cruise Experience

The vessel’s arrival marks the continuation of the “Fly and Cruise” model, where passengers arrive through Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport before being transferred to Limassol. This approach supports passenger flows and positions Cyprus as a point of embarkation and disembarkation in the region.

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Robust Infrastructure And Ambitious Itineraries

The Limassol cruise terminal will serve as the home port for the Marella Discovery II during the 2026 season, with 26 scheduled port calls between April and October. The vessel, operated by Marella Cruises, part of TUI Group, includes 11 passenger decks and 918 cabins, alongside onboard facilities such as an outdoor cinema, climbing wall, and mini golf.

Strategic Growth And Future Prospects

Simon Pitout said the cruise sector remains part of Cyprus’s tourism offering and confirmed the return of Marella Discovery II as a home-port vessel for 2026. He added that Limassol continues to expand its role in regional cruise activity and infrastructure development. The itinerary includes stops in Kusadasi, Mykonos, Piraeus, Souda, and Rhodes, reflecting current cruise routes in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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