The proportion of tourists holidaying in Cyprus on package deals has decreased, with officials at the tourism ministry encouraged that the benefits of foreign visitors are now being distributed across the wider economy.

The villages of Vouni, Kalopanayiotis and Steni are the first to receive the Colourful Villages award, recently established by the deputy ministry of tourism.

The finance ministry on Monday signalled that it was drafting a second supplementary budget for this year, even as it awaited the green light from MPs for the first such budget.

One-off grants approved by cabinet on Friday for vulnerable groups of the population will be paid directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts before the end of June, the deputy ministry of welfare said on Monday.

From Wednesday, tourists arriving in Cyprus no longer need proof of being vaccinated, a recovery certificate or tested for COVID-19, as authorities are lifting all coronavirus-related restrictions at airports and ports.

Cyprus’ national vaccination committee on Monday approved the Imvanex vaccine to protect high-risk groups against monkeypox.

The State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) and the state doctors’ trade unions closed a pending issue that has existed between them for two years and from now on, the state special doctors will receive €1,850 each, plus an incentive that depends on the productivity of each clinic/department.

Immediate action must be taken to allow for English language undergraduate courses to be taught at state universities to attract foreign students, the rectors of three public higher education institutions proposed on Monday.

The Pedieos linear park is getting a facelift with a budget of over €26 million, the municipalities of Nicosia, Lakatamia and Strovolos announced on Monday while presenting their integrated plan for its regeneration.

Limassol port is expected to welcome over 150 cruise ships and some 160,000 passengers this year recording a substantial increase compared to 2020 and 2021.