Cypriot tourism officials are finding several reasons to be optimistic following resumption of flights and easing of restrictions, but industry experts find it a little harder to put on a brave face.

The government will spend €237 million on projects to revitalise communities in mountainous and remote areas, interior minister Nicos Nouris told a press conference on Friday.

Only nationals of Cyprus and Israel and permanent residents in both countries who hold a valid vaccination certificate will be able to travel to Cyprus without any restrictions, authorities clarified on Thursday.

It is imperative to restart the pandemic-battered tourism sector to breathe life into the economy, said the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), with proposals for a rebound.

Products registered as protected designation of origin (PDO) that now include halloumi are the elite of the world’s quality foodstuff, head of Cyprus farmers union EKA, Panicos Chambas, said on Wednesday.

Ryanair on Wednesday launched its biggest ever Summer schedule in Cyprus, with 34 routes including five new destinations to Bari, Bologna, Corfu, Rhodes, and Treviso, boosting tourism as vaccination programmes allow Europe to re-open.

In 2020, average hourly labour costs in Cyprus were estimated to be €17, below the €28.5 averaged in the EU and €32.3 in the euro area, according to figures issued by Eurostat on Wednesday.

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a supplementary budget of €250 million to cover needs arising from the handling of the pandemic.

The ‘pay as you throw’ programme is expected to be rolled out across Cyprus next year, President Nicos Anastasiades said Wednesday.

Lower secondary school (gymnasium) and Limassol primary schools will return to class on Friday, cabinet decided on Wednesday.