Cyprus tourism, banking and property sectors report positive 2026 developments

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded positive developments in tourism, banking and property during 2026, including a European beach ranking, higher Bank of Cyprus profits and continued growth in sale contracts.

Tourism ranking

Nissi Beach was ranked the second best beach in Europe for 2026 in the European Beach Index compiled by UK travel insurance specialists Quotezone.

The beach ranked behind Mogren Beach in Montenegro, while Cyprus outperformed a number of better-known European holiday destinations.

Quotezone assessed ten beaches in popular holiday destinations using sea and air temperatures, five-star visitor reviews, accommodation costs, drink prices and distance from the nearest airport.

Mogren Beach topped the ranking, with Quotezone citing its Adriatic coastline, warm summer weather and comparatively low holiday costs.

The recognition came less than a week after Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said Cyprus tourism had returned to a stable recovery path following the publication of the latest tourism revenue figures by the Statistical Service.

Bank of Cyprus results

Bank of Cyprus reported profit after tax of €252 million for the first six months of 2026, up 7 per cent year on year.

The bank also announced a 20 per cent increase in its interim dividend, citing strong lending growth, resilient asset quality and a robust capital position.

It said it would pay an interim dividend of €0.24 per ordinary share, amounting to approximately €105 million. The payment represents a 44 per cent payout ratio on first-half earnings and is higher than the previous year.

“We delivered excellent financial results in the first half of 2026, reflecting our diversified and efficient business model and continued strong performance,” group chief executive Panicos Nicolaou said.

Property market activity

Cyprus’ property market continued to grow in July, when sale contracts exceeded 2,000 in a single month.

Activity was above last year’s levels in every month of 2026 so far.