Cyprus prepares for Schengen integration « Euro Weekly News

Cyprus is on track to join the Schengen area by 2025, President Nikos Christodoulides has announced, marking a significant step for the island nation.

Speaking at the ‘Beyond Sea and Sun’ conference in Nicosia, the president shared that all political hurdles have been addressed, with technical preparations now underway to meet the criteria for accession.

Joining the Schengen zone would mean seamless travel to and from other member states, which could bring huge benefits to the tourism industry and foreign investment. “We’ve resolved political concerns surrounding the ceasefire line and are now focused on finalising technical requirements,” Christodoulides said. A dedicated team within the foreign ministry is handling the process to ensure a smooth transition.

Cyprus expands tourism horizons beyond traditional markets

Cyprus has been actively diversifying its tourism markets to reduce reliance on traditional visitors. New embassies are planned in countries like Kazakhstan and Armenia, aiming to attract visitors from these regions. Additionally, efforts are underway to bring more tourists from the United States and India, replacing the decline in Russian tourists due to geopolitical challenges.

The president highlighted Poland’s rise as Cyprus’ second-largest tourism market after the UK, attributing this success to focused diversification strategies. Strengthening ties with neighbouring countries, especially Israel, has also proven fruitful. Political cooperation with Israel has helped redirect Israeli tourists to explore southern Cyprus, boosting local tourism.

Cyprus sets tourism records and plans for a bright future

2024 proved to be a record-breaking year for Cyprus, welcoming over 4 million visitors and generating nearly €3 billion in revenue—13.5% of the country’s GDP. With 10.5 million travellers passing through its airports, Cyprus demonstrated its resilience and potential in the global tourism market.

To accommodate rising demand, Cyprus is expanding its airport infrastructure in collaboration with Hermes Airports. “Compared to 20 years ago, our airports are now connected to over 55 airlines, a far cry from the 20 we had in the past,” Christodoulides noted.

Looking ahead, the island’s upcoming EU presidency in 2026 is expected to draw an additional 200,000 visitors. Direct flights between Larnaca and Brussels are also under discussion to handle the anticipated influx. Investments in cultural tourism, rural areas like Troodos, and events such as FIBA 2025 are part of the broader strategy to diversify and enhance Cyprus’ appeal.

With its sights set on Schengen membership and continued growth in tourism, Cyprus is poised to strengthen its position as a leading destination in Europe.