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Tourism Sector Boosted With €10 Million Budget Increase

In a significant move to bolster its tourism sector, President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus has announced a €10 million increase in the 2025 budget for the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. This announcement was made at the General Assembly of the Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA), along with the unveiling of a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at addressing seasonality within the tourism industry.

Strategic Objectives and Economic Resilience

The budget increase aims to enhance Cyprus’ international promotion efforts, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector amidst various geopolitical and economic challenges. These challenges include instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, economic downturns in key European markets, and ongoing issues in the aviation sector.

President Christodoulides highlighted the resilience of the Cypriot hotel industry and assured that the government is closely monitoring these developments to support stakeholders effectively. A key aspect of the five-year plan is the training of workers in partially or fully suspended hotel units, aimed at increasing the number of hotels operating year-round. This initiative is expected to create stable employment opportunities and extend the tourist season, thus boosting overall industry profitability.

International Relations and Market Expansion

The President also pointed to the positive implications of establishing a Strategic Dialogue with the United States, positioning Cyprus among a select group of countries engaged in regular, structured cooperation with the US. This dialogue, which extends beyond energy and trade, promises to open new avenues for collaboration in tourism. The possibility of direct flights from the US to Cyprus was mentioned, indicating ongoing discussions to facilitate this development.

Furthermore, recent diplomatic initiatives, including the opening of a new mission in Kazakhstan and an upcoming mission in Armenia, are part of Cyprus’ strategy to diversify and expand its tourism markets. The President’s visit to Poland, a key tourism market for Cyprus, underscores these efforts.

Industry Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite these positive developments, CHA President Thanos Michaelides acknowledged the difficulties faced by the hotel industry in 2023, citing reduced profitability due to rising operational costs and high borrowing levels. Looking ahead, lower occupancy rates are anticipated in 2024, compounded by reduced flights and economic challenges in major tourism source markets.

Michaelides stressed the necessity for a clear roadmap to modernise Cyprus’ tourism offerings, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness. The upcoming HORTEC conference in October 2025, hosted in Cyprus, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping future tourism policies in alignment with Cyprus’ EU Presidency.

Djokovic On The Verge Of 100th Title At Miami Open Final

In a thrilling display at the Miami Open, Novak Djokovic is poised on the brink of his 100th career singles title. The Serbian tennis maestro effortlessly overcame Grigor Dimitrov with a commanding 6-2 6-3 victory.

Facing only a brief setback at the start, Djokovic quickly regained dominance, breaking back immediately and securing the first set as Dimitrov faltered. The second set was a showcase of his unyielding control, marching to a 3-0 lead.

Djokovic’s formidable serve was on full display – landing five aces with just one double fault, highlighting his strategic prowess. “After the first game, I found my rhythm,” Djokovic shared in a conversation with Tennis Channel.

As the fourth seed advances, history awaits at the Miami Open final against unseeded Czech teen Jakub Mensik. Djokovic’s momentum in this tournament places him as the favorite for a record seventh Miami title, a sentiment echoed by tennis enthusiasts and prominent figures, including Lionel Messi.

While much attention is focused on Djokovic’s achievements, the rise of Mensik cannot be overlooked. The young player, having defeated Taylor Fritz, stands brimming with confidence, eager for the challenge.

Unwind with more sports stories and find out how sports advertising is evolving with the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

Will Djokovic’s exceptional form yield another trophy, or could Mensik stage an upset? The anticipation builds toward a climactic finale.

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