President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus’ growing role as a regional and European hub for maritime tourism and “Blue Growth”, during his address at the opening of the International Sea Tourism Festival (ISTF), held for the first time in Cyprus at the Ayia Napa Marina.
Speaking alongside the Minister of Interior and the Deputy Minister of Tourism, President Christodoulides described the festival as “a remarkable initiative that aligns perfectly with the government’s continuous efforts to expand the prospects of sea-based tourism in our country”.
The event, co-organised by Ayia Napa Marina in collaboration with the Deputy Ministries of Shipping and Tourism and local authorities, runs until 28 October and showcases the diverse benefits and dimensions of maritime tourism — from yachting and sailing to diving, cruise travel, water sports, and recreational fishing.
Promoting Cyprus as a distinguished maritime destination
The President said that the festival serves as a platform to showcase Cyprus’ comparative advantages: “Our modern tourism infrastructure, reliable services, skilled human capital, excellent relations with neighbouring countries, and above all, our safety, make Cyprus a uniquely attractive destination,” he said.
He noted that even though part of the island remains under Turkish occupation for over five decades — including 420 kilometres of coastline — the Republic continues to capitalise on the natural beauty and maritime wealth of the free areas.
Christodoulides also reminded that, according to the latest European Commission report, Cyprus is surrounded by “the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean” — an environmental asset the country must both preserve and promote.
A modern role in the eastern Mediterranean
The President referred to Cyprus’ long-standing relationship with the sea, recalling its mythological and historical roots: “From Aphrodite’s birth in our waters to our ports that once connected civilisations, the sea has always been a source of life, progress, and inspiration.”
He stressed that today, Cyprus acts as a “strategic hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East — a bridge connecting East and West, North and South”,
Returning from the recent EU Council and the Summit of Mediterranean States, Christodoulides said he was “proud of the universal recognition Cyprus enjoys as a harbour of safety in a region afflicted by prolonged crises”.
He added that Cyprus will have the opportunity to further highlight this role during its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins in less than 70 days. He also noted the significance of having a Commissioner of Greek origin responsible for Shipping and Tourism — a symbolic and strategic link for both Greece and Cyprus.
Cruise and diving tourism on the rise
Turning to concrete results, Christodoulides revealed that Limassol Port is expected to welcome 140 cruise ships and 160,000 passengers in 2025, marking a strong increase compared to 2024. This growth is projected to rise by a further 25% in 2026.
“Cruise tourism is not just another tourism sector — it is a powerful engine of growth that creates jobs and supports local economies,” he said, adding that the government is advancing a comprehensive plan through the National Committee for Cruise Tourism Development to make Cyprus a “competitive, sustainable, safe, and reliable base for global cruise operators”.
The President also announced new developments in diving tourism — a sector in which Cyprus has invested heavily. A new bill regulating the licensing of recreational diving service providers will soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers, aiming to enhance the quality and safety of diving activities.
In parallel, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism is finalising a comprehensive study on the organisation, development, and promotion of diving tourism, to be presented in November. Already, more than 70 diving sites across free Cyprus have been recorded, with 3D mapping underway.
Cyprus’ tourism achievements and vision
Christodoulides expressed satisfaction that 2024 marked record highs in both tourist arrivals and revenues, with early indicators suggesting that 2025 will also be another record year.
He praised the diversification of tourism offerings and the success in extending the tourist season beyond the summer months: “We are gradually achieving our goal of year-round tourism — and this is particularly visible in the Famagusta region.”
The President concluded with his vision: “Our goal is to promote Cyprus as an attractive, competitive, and leading hub for maritime tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East. Realising this vision requires the cooperation of the state, local authorities, the business community, and civil society. As a Government, we recognise the importance of such initiatives and will continue to fully support them.”
