For four days (October 25–28), Ayia Napa Marina became the epicenter of the blue development, successfully hosting the International Sea Tourism Festival (ISTF 2025). The event exceeded all expectations, establishing Cyprus as a leading destination in the field of marine tourism in the wider region.
Held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the festival was organized in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and Boats Advisor Hub & Events, transforming the Marina into a vibrant, bustling scene full of colors, sounds, the intoxicating scent of the sea, and the alluring call of maritime adventure.
It is noteworthy that the opening ceremony of the Festival was officiated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy of Greece, as well as the Minister of the Interior and the Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus.
The International Sea Tourism Festival (ISTF) 2025 reaffirmed that the love for the sea knows no boundaries. The event attracted a wide audience — both professionals and the general public — who enjoyed free admission throughout the four-day celebration.
Visitors also had the opportunity to attend the Marine Tourism & Development Conference “Blue Horizons”, which featured distinguished speakers from the maritime and sea tourism industries, including Stefanos Gikas, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, and Kostas Koumis, Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Tourism.
In parallel, the Festival incorporated socially conscious activities, including the “Paddle for Autism”, which returned for the second consecutive year as a rowing route of solidarity, supporting the Famagusta Autism Support Association and promoting awareness about autism.
Another highlight of ISTF 2025 was the open dialogue with Olympic medalist Pavlos Kontides, during which more than 300 students from the Famagusta District had the chance to meet him in person and draw inspiration from his achievements and experiences.
The Ayia Napa Marina was transformed into a vibrant hub of ideas and exchange, proving once again that the sea continues to enchant — all year round — both young and old alike. Despite being held in autumn, the Festival managed to evoke the liberating spirit and warmth of a Mediterranean summer.
The success of ISTF 2025 was not only organizational but also strategic and certainly no coincidence. Ayia Napa Marina proved to be the ideal platform, strengthening Cyprus’s position as one of the key destinations and leaders in marine tourism in the region.
