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President Christodoulidis Champions Transformative Tax Reform Agenda

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, has officially welcomed the commencement of discussions in the Parliamentary Economic Committee on a sweeping Tax Reform. He characterizes this initiative as one of the most significant structural shifts in recent decades, setting the stage for a tax system designed to be fairer and more modern.

Transitioning To A Fairer Tax System

According to the President, the proposed reform marks a fundamental transition towards a tax framework that is not only just but also adaptable to contemporary economic realities. Central to this initiative is the empowerment of households and businesses, offering them improved stability and promising long-term growth prospects. With this vision, the reform is expected to directly influence everyday life and enable a more sustainable economic future.

Strengthening Social Cohesion And Middle-Class Support

The President emphasized that the tax reform aims to bolster social cohesion by providing significant relief to families and the middle class. For the first time in two decades, the tax exemption threshold will be raised to €20,500. Additionally, targeted deductions will be calibrated based on household composition and expenditure, ensuring that the policy benefits are tailored to individual circumstances.

Incentives For Businesses And Correcting Market Distortions

In a further effort to enhance the business climate, the reform proposes to reduce the taxation on actual dividends from 17% to 5% and eliminate the imputed distribution requirement. These measures are designed to correct longstanding market distortions and encourage reinvestment of profits into productive sectors, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of Cypriot enterprises.

Prudent Fiscal Policy And Steady Economic Growth

President Christodoulidis underscored that the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management has paved the way for this comprehensive reform. In an environment highlighted by consecutive upgrades from international rating agencies, Cyprus is positioning itself decisively with a plan aimed at ensuring stable growth and low inflation. This methodical approach reminds one of a well-oiled machine that continuously refines its operations to achieve optimal performance.

A Future-Ready Tax Environment

Looking ahead, the President asserted that the ultimate goal is for all citizens and businesses to operate within a tax framework that is socially just, straightforward, and conducive to economic development by January 1, 2026. He concluded by remarking that a Cyprus poised for change demands a tax system that truly reflects its ambitions and potential.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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