Cyprus has announced a strategic plan to transform diving from a niche activity into a core pillar and a leading force of its national tourism offering, moving to strengthen infrastructure, regulation and environmental standards, according to a specialised study prepared by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) for the Deputy Minister of Tourism.
The country offers diverse diving with warm, clear Mediterranean waters, excellent visibility, and year - round diving, featuring world - class wrecks like the Zenobia, extensive underwater caves and tunnels including Akamas, Cape Greco, vibrant natural reefs like Octopus Reef, and unique artificial reefs with statues like Green Bay or sculptures (Musan) , catering all levels from beginners to advanced divers seeking marine life, historical artifacts like amphorae, and stunning topography.
The study was presented in Limassol, where Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis noted, through remarks delivered by the ministry’s new director general, Neophytos Papadopoulos, that diving tourism in Cyprus offers significant room for development, which the CMMI study also confirms.
The Minister said that technical study will act as a starting point for preparatory actions which will serve as a springboard to highlight Cyprus as a leading force in diving tourism in the Mediterranean.
As the study outlines real data, scientific knowledge and the sector’s development prospects, the Minister said the deputy Ministry is placing particular emphasis on specialised forms of tourism, which are gaining ground globally as visitors increasingly seek experience that are competitive and sustainable, adding that diving attracts travellers who tend to stay longer, travel more frequently and spend more per day than the industry average.
Citing international market trends, the official said that global diving tourism revenues recorded $9.6 billion for 2024, with estimates for 2025 pointing to an increase to $112 billion.
With annual growth rates expected at 5.2% in the coming years, the sector’s share of global tourism revenue is forecast to rise 3% today to 6%.
Against this backdrop the Ministry stressed that the country’s goal is to transform diving tourism into one of the strongest pillars of Cypriot tourism, noting that both short - term and long - term policies are already being rolled out.
A key element is the new bill on diving tourism, which establishes a national operating framework for the first time.
By defining minimum conditions and the requirements for licensing diving service providers, the ministry aims to close a long - standing legislative gap.
The framework also introduces compliance with national standard CYS EN ISO 24803, along with a register of licensed operators, steps intended to safeguard quality and reinforce Cyprus’s image as a safe, environmentally responsible destination.
The Minister also recalled that Cyprus, working with the CMMI, has completed the three - dimensional digital recording of 43 diving sites so visitors can explore locations virtually before choosing a destination.
At the same time, infrastructure upgrades are being advanced through a grant scheme to enhance diving sites across the island.
The official added that targeted international promotion is under way, both through specialised exhibitions and hosting professionals from key markets, further supporting the aim of positioning Cyprus as a year - round diving destination with intertionally sites.
In summary Key Strategies & Focus Areas are :
· Infrastructure & Regulation: Enhancing dive sites, improving safety, and ensuring proper standards.
· Sustainability: Attracting eco – tourists through responsible practices and preserving marine life.
· Product Diversifications: Highlighting diverse offerings, including vibrant reefs, caves, and historic wrecks.
· Promotional Push: Positioning Cyprus as a leading Mediterranean diving destination through targeted campaigns.
Goals:
· Establishing diving as a significant, growing part of the national tourism product.
· Create a sustainable, attractive hub for diving enthusiasts seeking immersive travel.
Presenting the research findings, Senior Associate Researcher, Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute Louis Hadjioannou said 69 diving sites were documented across Cyprus, 24 reachable from the coast and 45 by boat, with the Zenobia shipwreck remaining the most popular.
The researcher noted that 86 diving centres operates nationwide, including two dedicated exclusively to freediving and he also referenced Malta as Cyprus’s main in the sector, though he pointed out that Cyprus’s advantage lies in offering a wider range of tourist activities beyond diving.
The institute’s proposals include enhancements to coastal diving sites such as installing stairs, railings, pergolas, roofs, toilets, changing facilities, waste bins, pathways, improved road, access, detailed signage and cameras.
For boat - accessible sites, the study suggests placing buoys, developing and managing anchorages, assessing wreck integrity and regulating boat traffic.
In addition, proposals include assigning responsibilities to a supervisory authority, introducing a national license for diving centres and instructors, enforcing ISO compliance, restricting boat movements in keys areas and monitoring marine protected zones.
Environmental sustainability measures also feature prominently, including the use of eco - friendly materials, reef clean – ups, waste - reduction practices and awareness campaigns targeting harmful habits, from feeding turtles to anchoring in Posidonia meadows.
Finally, the study calls for stronger promotion of Cyprus as a diving destination through printed and digital material, international exhibitions, partnerships with tour operators and cooperation with accommodation providers.
Link
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/12/09/cyprus-plans-major-push-to-boost-diving-tourism-sector
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