Geopolitical uncertainty and the push for innovation-driven growth are increasingly defining the business relationship between Cyprus and Greece, as recent high-level meetings and a major conference in Athens highlighted both the risks and opportunities facing key sectors.
Tourism faces mounting external pressures
The outlook for tourism, a cornerstone of both economies, is becoming more complex as geopolitical developments continue to weigh on travel patterns and broader economic activity.
The Secretary General of The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE), Philokypros Roussounides, held a ceremonial meeting in Athens with the General Manager of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, Agni Christidou. The representatives from Cyprus and Greece’s hotel sector, discussions focused on how external instability is reshaping the industry. Concerns were raised over the sector’s exposure to international developments and the knock-on effects on interconnected parts of the economy.
Amid a climate of uncertainty, the need for closer coordination and faster information-sharing between stakeholders emerged as a central theme. Strengthening institutional cooperation is increasingly seen as essential to anticipating disruptions, managing risk and maintaining competitiveness in a volatile environment.
At the same time, emphasis was placed on the importance of systematically identifying and addressing emerging challenges in tourism and other critical sectors, ensuring that responses remain timely and targeted.
Innovation and cross-border synergies gain momentum
While tourism suffers from external pressures, efforts to deepen cooperation in technology and innovation are gaining pace, offering a counterbalance through new avenues of growth.
KEBE actively participated in the Cyprus-Greece High Technology and Innovation Conference in Athens, contributing substantially to the dialogue on innovation and cross-border business cooperation, where in his address, roussounides, highlighted the role of chambers as a link between research, innovation and the market, underlining the importance of cooperation and networking for the sustainable development of businesses.
A key theme was the role of institutional frameworks in helping companies expand beyond domestic markets, reduce exposure to risk and tap into cross-border opportunities. Facilitating access to international networks and fostering partnerships were highlighted as critical tools for sustainable growth.
The conference also translated dialogue into tangible business engagement, with more than 150 one-on-one meetings bringing together dozens of Cypriot and Greek companies. These exchanges reflected a growing appetite for practical cooperation, particularly in sectors driven by technology and innovation.
The event was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Greece at the Cyprus Embassy Trade Centre in Athens, together with the Association of Cypriot Professionals in Greece (SKAE), in collaboration with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry and UNIC Athens.
