Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation announces 2025 sector developments

The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) announced key developments for 2025 in its upcoming annual general meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The event will be addressed by the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.

The services sector showed significant growth, contributing to economic resilience. Notable increases included accommodation and food services (+9.5%), administrative and support activities (+7.4%), professional, scientific, and technical activities (+4.6%), information and communication (+4.3%), transport and storage (+2.8%), and real estate management (+0.4%).

Tourism recorded a record year with 4,534,073 visitors, a 12.2% increase from 2024. December 2025 saw 156,959 arrivals, up 18.0% year-on-year. Key markets included Israel (19.1%), the UK (19.0%), Poland (11.3%), Germany (7.4%), and Greece (7.3%). Tourism revenues from January to November 2025 exceeded €3.6 billion, reflecting sector strength and positive outlook.

The health sector continued to be central to economic and social development, with efforts to improve expenditure control, staff shortages, modernization, and digital health initiatives. OEB supported autonomy for health authorities and contributed to policy formulation for a resilient health system.

In digital transformation, OEB actively promoted innovation through participation in the DiGiNN Cyprus Digital Innovation Hub, supporting business digitalization, and establishing a Digital Transformation and Innovation Committee. Initiatives included supporting IT companies’ international outreach, seminars on artificial intelligence, and cooperation with industry associations.

Cypriot shipping maintained a strong position, contributing about 7% to GDP. The sector expanded activities such as fuel supply, maritime technology, and legal services. The Cyprus Registry increased vessel tonnage by nearly 20%, maintaining Cyprus as one of the top shipping flags in the EU and globally.

OEB also organized conferences, workshops, and exhibitions to support service sector businesses, collaborated with government bodies on sponsorship plans, and awarded companies through the Cyprus Innovation Award.