Great news from Cyprus! The Crown Iris, the first Israeli cruise ship of the summer, has arrived on the island after its journey from Haifa to Larnaca. This marks the beginning of a series of 10 scheduled cruises on the same route throughout the summer. Passengers get to enjoy overnight stays on the ship, along with exciting excursions to Lefkara, Nicosia, and Ayia Napa.

In more positive tourism news, Cyprus is experiencing a return to pre-pandemic levels, as stated by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Costas Koumis. Despite the evident impact of the pandemic in 2022, May 2023 witnessed a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with a remarkable 36.2 percent rise compared to the previous year.

Additionally, the charming city of Paphos is set to welcome a new marina. The plans for this exciting development have been adopted by the deputy ministry of tourism. The marina will not only include a pier for cruise ships but also offer opportunities for investors to build a hotel and mansions. The marina's location in the village of Kissonerga, Paphos, has been finalized, and consultants are expected to be hired and in place by the end of this year. It's an exciting prospect for both locals and visitors alike!