Developments in Cyprus tourism and shipping sector

Cyprus tourism officials report a stabilization in visitor numbers following the downgrading of travel advisories to level 1. Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis noted that while UK arrivals declined early in the year due to tensions near Akrotiri, the sector is now normalizing. Industry figures confirm that despite the loss of three months of bookings, the negative trend in arrivals is gradually easing. Meanwhile, the shipping company Safe Bulkers, based in Cyprus, officially began trading on the Athens Stock Exchange at an opening price of €5.70. The event was attended by Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and Cyprus Ambassador Stavros Avgoustides. Separately, economic reports indicate that tourism revenue for the first quarter of 2026 reached €245.5 million, down from €278.3 million in the same period of 2025. This decrease reflects broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have impacted regional travel and major sea routes.