The government will, by February 2016 have the shortlist of bids for the creation of a casino resort in Cyprus, MPs heard recently.

International forecasters have upgraded their forecasts for growth in Cyprus in 2016, according to the latest Bloomberg consensus survey.

The government recently signed a two-year extension with the ENI-KOGAS consortium for exploration of blocks 2, 3 and 9 within the island’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The cabinet has approved in principle the entry of BG Group (British Gas) in the consortium which has the concession on Block 12 of the island’s exclusive economic zone.

Low cost airline Ryanair announced low fares for its Larnaca to Brussels flight, which it launched only recently.

The Cyprus Institute and University of Cyprus have organised a two-day international conference entitled ‘Housed by Choice Housed by Force / Homes, Conflicts and Conflicting Interests’.

The price of construction materials for the period January-December 2015 recorded a decrease of 2,68% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, according to data released recently by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.

The number of tourists visiting Cyprus in 2015 rose an annual 8.9% to an all-time record of 2,659,405 on a strong increase in the number of tourists from Britain, Cyprus’ largest market, more than offsetting a drop in arrivals from Russia, the statistical service said.

A significant amount of investment will be made to Larnaca’s infrastructure in 2016, with millions of euros earmarked for the restoration, renovation and regeneration of key areas of the town.

With the tender successfully launched and intensive rounds ofdue diligence and consultations with port operator candidates under way, the commercialisation of the Limassol Port remains on track, in line with the original timeline, a statement by the Ministry of Transport said recently.