Cyprus – fuTOURiSME

Free Training Programs for All

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 26, 2024.

The Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority (HRDA) educational free programs on digital and green skills for adult learning. The two programs are composed from a plethora of courses that ensure the upskilling and reskilling of business owners and employees. The program offered on Green Skills is A list of 31 vocational training programs has been curated to cater to all segments of the workforce, encompassing both the public and private sectors. These subjects encompass Environmental and Energy Management courses, focusing on technical skills essential for implementing such systems within businesses. Additionally, they cover technical professions like technicians specializing in the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems, as well as air conditioning and refrigeration. As previously mentioned, the 28 courses objective is to address the workforce’s needs regarding the utilization of digital tools to enhance skill sets and improve the services offered by SMEs. Notably, Cyprus’s economy is predominantly service-based, accounting for 84% of its GDP, with 70% of the workforce engaged in this sector.

Digital Upgrade of Enterprises

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 26, 2024.

The integration of digital technology into business activities is a significant challenge for Cyprus, despite some positive indicators. While the percentage of SMEs with at least a basic level of digital intensity is above the EU average, and Cyprus performs well in cloud technology adoption, many companies still do not fully utilize state-of-the-art digital technologies. To address this, Cyprus is focusing on introducing digital technologies in business activities to enhance efficiency in systems, products, and services.
Through the main Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and under the scheme for the Digital Upgrade of Enterprises, this scheme, included in the Operational Programme 2014-2020 “Competitiveness & Sustainable Development” and co-funded by the ERDF and national funds, aims to boost the integration of digital technology in SMEs within areas controlled by the Cyprus Government. By the end of 2022, 371 enterprises had been approved for the scheme, with 311 signing the Public Financing Agreement and proceeding with their investment proposals. Out of these, 307 proposals have been completed and received subsidies. The scheme has been extended and financed under the ESIF for 2021-2027. A new scheme was announced in November 2022 with a budget of €10 million (total budget of €20 million). A total of 365 applications were submitted for the available budget and are currently under evaluation.

Cyprus Travel Expo

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 26, 2024.

The Cyprus Travel Expo takes place every year in Cyprus in which all stakeholders of tourism in Cyprus participate in a three-day exhibition. The exhibition offers all the information related to travelling from and to Cyprus. Representatives from the Greek Tourism Board, the Cyprus Deputy Ministry, travel agents, airline and cruise companies, hotels, resorts, regions, Greek islands and municipalities, and many more. During the expo, several events take place, that facilitate peer learning and presentation of best practices. This is the biggest networking event in Cyprus but many more events take place throughout the year. That includes the annual Cyprus Hotel Association conference in which SMEs that offer services to hotels, have the opportunity to present their products. During this event there are several presentations of the trends and best practices in global tourism and Cyprus. A similar platform the Organization of Cyprus Tourism Companies offers opportunities through their annual conference or their various activities for SMEs to exchange information, create new synergies and learn about the new trends in tourism.

Cyprus Hotel Industry rescue plan

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 26, 2024.

Since arrivals on the island have diminished due to lockdowns from COVID-19, the Cyprus Deputy Ministry issued a rescue plan for the Hotel industry. The plan offered subsidized accommodation for Cypriots at any hotel joint the program from September 2020. The sealing price for the accommodation per night per person was 40 euros with a minimum stay of two nights. The program for 2020 lasted until November and was re-opened in 2021 in June until November with bigger participation from hotels as well as the public. In 2022 the program was for months from May until July. During the winter months, the program from 2020 until 2022 subsidized hotels and accommodation for the mountain regions from December until March. Concerning new markets Cyprus has shifted more toward the EU market. Arrivals in 2023 have almost reached pre-pandemic. Arrivals have reached in 2023 approximately 3.845.000 in relation to 3.976.000 in 2019. The numbers although very close are without the Russian and Ukrainian markets of 780 thousand visitors from Russia (716,053) and Ukraine (70,181) that Cyprus could have received which have been substituted from visitors from the EU with the biggest difference from Polland and Israel.

Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 23, 2024.

The promotion of a circular economy in hotel establishments in Cyprus aims to overhaul traditional business models to embrace sustainability and resource efficiency. This investment initiative targets the hospitality sector, focusing on transforming hotels to operate within a circular economy framework. The scheme comprises several key components, including comprehensive business diagnostics to assess current practices, specialized training programs, and tailored coaching sessions to guide hotels through the transition. The first phase of the scheme involves at least 50 hotels, ensuring a broad impact across the sector. Additionally, a minimum of 18 hotels will be certified as circular, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices.

The terms and conditions governing this scheme were meticulously reviewed by the Technical Committee for the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) schemes and the RRP Coordinating Authority, ensuring robust standards and effective implementation. Following the Council of Ministers’ approval on April 20, 2022, the scheme was officially launched on April 28, 2022. This launch marked the beginning of a concerted effort to embed circular economy principles within the hotel industry, promoting practices such as waste reduction, resource reuse, and overall sustainability. This initiative not only aims to enhance the environmental performance of hotels but also to set a precedent for sustainable tourism practices in Cyprus and beyond.

Mastros Traditional Products

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 22, 2024.

Mastros Agrotourism Facility and Traditional Products is dedicated to preserving the traditional architecture, produce, and agricultural heritage of rural Cyprus. This family-run business warmly welcomes guests and visitors to experience rural life through its inviting spaces, including a processing unit and guided farm tours. Their award-winning olive oil, carob, wine, beer, and fruit liqueur are crafted with passion and expertise by the owner. Located in Amargeti, in the Paphos region, Mastros Agrotourism is a must-visit destination.

Hambis Printmaking Museum

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 22, 2024.

After COVID-19, the museum launches an innovative sustainable tourism initiative. By digitizing most of the art pieces and by offering virtual tours and workshops, the museum expands its reach globally, reducing the need for physical travel. Sustainable materials and green infrastructure are integrated into exhibits, showcasing eco-friendly printmaking practices. Community partnerships promote local engagement, while educational programs inspire visitors to embrace sustainability. Additionally, the museum utilizes its courtyard for workshops and events, reducing electricity use and contributing to green development. Additionally, the museum organizes outdoor printmaking workshops in remote areas, utilizing sustainable practices to minimize its environmental footprint while fostering creativity in secluded communities.

Ecophysis Bee and Nature Centre

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 21, 2024.

Our aim is to combine fun with education, learning about the life of bees; their products; their contribution to ecosystem health and the threats they face whilst having the opportunity to experience how it is to be a beekeeper without the physical presence of bees. The participants wear the whole-body beekeeper’s protective suit for unique commemorative photos, and they learn about the beekeeper’s work during every season of the year and the tools used. They prepare foundations for honeycombs, repair, adorn and paint old wooden beehives, make natural cosmetic oils/soaps or multi-purpose food wrappers using beeswax and resin.

Cyherbia Botanical Park

Written by Marios Demosthenous on August 21, 2024.

The theme park has been a trailblazer in sustainability in the restaurant as well as in their herb production facilities. They keep their environmental footprint low by recycle/reuse and use only biodegradable packaging and composting food waste. All waste is separated. Their water use policy from the beginning has been aimed at zero waste of water and careful use of water supply. The park is fully solar-operated for electricity.

Enriching Tourism SMEs and Promoting Authentic Experiences

Written by Marios Demosthenous on July 23, 2024.

The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MECI) has developed a New Industrial Strategy Policy for Cyprus, extending until 2030, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers on May 6, 2019. This comprehensive policy encompasses all economic sectors, including traditional industries such as Tourism, and manufacturing, aiming to link traditional industries with other economic activities to create competitive value chains and modernize Cyprus’ growth model. The strategy will be implemented gradually from 2019 to 2030, focusing on six strategic pillars: Sustainable Development and Production, Improvement of Industrial and Business Environment, Digitalization of Industry, Development and Enhancement of Human Resource Skills, Enhancement of Access to Finance, and Enhancement of Access to Markets. In line with this policy, the Government has initiated various actions such as organizing the Industrial Week, securing free SME access to standards through an agreement with the Cyprus Organization for Standardization, implementing a grant scheme for digitization, and promoting the circular economy. The tourism sector in Cyprus demonstrated an unexpectedly strong recovery, with revenues reaching 91% of pre-pandemic levels and experienced full recover in 2023. This recovery was driven by measures from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism aimed at mitigating the pandemic’s impact and supporting local communities reliant on tourism. The main reforms and investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) include enhancing tourism’s added value, particularly in rural, mountainous, and remote areas. Key grant schemes support the renovation of accommodations and traditional businesses, with initiatives such as the “Taste of Cyprus” label and repurposing facilities for health and wellness tourism. Additionally, efforts to enrich the tourism product involve creating authentic experiences and upgrading infrastructures in these areas, supporting local community boards and entrepreneurs in the creative and manufacturing sectors.

Country: Cyprus