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Tourism In Cyprus: Modest Growth Amidst Stable Markets

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 18, 2024

Cyprus experienced a slight increase in tourist arrivals for May 2024, according to recent data from CySTAT. The island welcomed 421,400 tourists, a 0.3% rise compared to May 2023. The United Kingdom remained the largest source of visitors, accounting for 39.8% of total arrivals, followed by Israel, Poland, Germany, and Sweden. While arrivals from Israel and Sweden decreased, those from the UK, Germany, and Poland saw modest gains.

From January to May 2024, tourist arrivals totalled 1,170,214, up 1.2% from the same period last year. This indicates a steady but modest growth trajectory for the Cypriot tourism sector.

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Additionally, outbound travel by Cypriot residents saw a significant increase of 13.8% in May 2024, with Greece, the UK, and Italy being the most popular destinations.

These figures suggest a stabilisation of the tourism industry in Cyprus, reflecting both resilience and the potential for further growth. The government’s efforts to attract tourists from diverse markets and enhance travel infrastructure are likely contributing factors to this trend. As Cyprus continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, these incremental increases highlight the island’s enduring appeal as a tourist destination.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.