UK house prices fall unexpectedly in April
British house prices fell unexpectedly for a second month in April, with a 0.4% decrease compared to the previous month. In annual terms, house price growth cooled to 0.6% from 1.6%.
summer
High Easter travel abroad for Cypriots, domestic bookings limited
– Large numbers of Cypriots are spending the Easter holidays abroad.
– The number of Cypriots holidaying abroad will be comparable to 2023.
– Cypriot travelers’ top destinations are traditionally Greece followed by the United Kingdom.
– Reservations for summer holidays are in full swing.
– Domestic tourism bookings for the Easter period are relatively limited.
– Overseas visitors bookings for 2024 show a reduction compared to 2023.
– Travel to Cyprus is expected to remain at lower levels due to limited available flights and airlines facing an aircraft shortage.
IMF approves $1.1 bln funding for Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund approved .1 billion in funding for Pakistan as the second and last tranche of a billion standby arrangement to help avert a sovereign default. Pakistan is seeking a new, larger long-term Extended Fund Facility agreement with the IMF after the current standby arrangement expires.
Cyprus wines for Easter Sunday
Good value wines from Cyprus will give a fresh take on Easter celebrations. The foods eaten at Greek Orthodox Easter – lamb, flaounes – make perfect fare for a spring feast. Lamb is the main dish, and the dark red and spicy wines made from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maratheftiko or Yiannoudi grapes vinified in Cyprus are ideal.
Lavish reopening of Retail Village at Nammos Limassol
The opening of the Retail Village at Nammos Limassol took place on April 27, 2024, featuring exclusive DIOR WOMENSWEAR and MENSWEAR, LORO PIANA, LOEWE, and OFF-WHITE boutiques.
Greece convicts six and clears 15 over deadly blaze
A man was convicted of involuntary arson for his role in Greece’s deadliest wildfire in memory, and five former fire officials were found guilty of misdemeanours linked to their response to the 2018 blaze.
German tourist arrivals surge in Paphos
The significant increase in tourist traffic anticipated from Germany to Paphos this summer is instilling greater optimism for the tourist season. Germany is expected to play a much larger role in tourist traffic to Paphos compared to previous years, offsetting losses from conflicts in Russia and Israel. This surge in German tourists, combined with high visitation from the UK, is expected to make 2024 a record-breaking year for visitor arrivals in Paphos.
Mismanagement of Natura2000 sends Cyprus to the European Court of Justice, EU Commissioner says
Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change and environmental protection. Cyprus, due to its geographical position, is expected to be significantly impacted by climate change, especially in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. Sinkevičius highlights the need for all Member States, including Cyprus, to implement climate targets to mitigate these effects. Additionally, he stresses the importance of implementing provisions for Natura2000 areas to ensure ecosystems can withstand increasing pressures, warning that Cyprus may end up in the European Court over Natura2000 issues if necessary actions are not taken.
More than ten organised crime groups operating in Cyprus, Interpol says, pointing to rising period of criminality
A global investigation over the past four years points to Cyprus as a hub for criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, smuggling tobacco products, extortion, illegal betting, and fixing football matches. The report, based on Interpol data, highlights a rise in extreme criminality in Cyprus, with recent assassinations, arson attacks, bombings, and underworld killings. Criminal organizations in Cyprus are mostly foreign and involved in crimes against property, money laundering, drug trafficking, and bribing public officials. In 2024, there were 55 arsons and bomb attacks reported in 101 days.
Russian missiles pound Ukrainian power plants in escalating campaign
A Russian missile attack targeted power facilities in Ukraine, causing damage and fires. Ukrainian air defenses were able to intercept some of the incoming missiles. The attacks have led to a significant loss of power generation capacity in Ukraine. The United States approved a major aid package for Ukraine, including new weapons for air defense systems.