Sun, sea and tech... how Cyprus aims to lure skilled workers

VISITORS arriving at Larnaca airport are welcomed by signs urging them to “Love Cyprus”, part of a new advertising campaign to boost last year’s record four million tourist arrivals.

- Marios Tannousis

For quite a large island, its population of 1.3 million is small about the same as the number of Britons who make up a third of sunseekers every year.

They should be among those benefitting from the new UK-EU reset deal hailed by Keir Starmer as a “new era” on Monday. The Prime Minister said British holidaymakers will be able to escape queues at Passenger Control by using e-gates in Europe.

Cyprus has a particular interest as we will be assuming presidency of the EU next year. Our ties to the UK remain strong, having been under British rule which ended in 1960, and with 30,000 Cypriots serving in the British army during the Second World War.

More recently the Eastern Mediterranean island has positioned itself as a beacon of stability in an otherwise troubled region, getting humanitarian aid into Gaza as well as helping refugees get out, following the October 7 attacks.

The UK’s influence is keenly felt, from driving on the left to British supermarkets and a similar legal system. And with more than 300 days of sunshine every year and a lower cost of living, it’s no wonder so many Britons head there on holiday, or choose it as their retirement destination.