Ayia Napa Marina was the epicenter of blue growth for four days (25-28 October 2025), hosting with complete success the International Maritime Tourism Festival (ISTF 2025). The event exceeded all expectations, establishing Cyprus as a leading player in maritime tourism in the wider region.
The festival, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, was held in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and Boats Advisor Hub & Events, transforming the Marina into a vibrant, bustling scene full of colors, sounds, the intoxicating smell of the sea and the seductive call of nautical adventure. It is noteworthy that the opening ceremony of the Festival was held by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy of Greece, and the Minister of Interior and Deputy Minister of Tourism of Cyprus.
ISTF 2025 confirmed that the love for the sea knows no bounds, attracting a large number of visitors – professionals and the public – who took advantage of the free entry throughout the four-day event. Visitors also had the opportunity to attend the “Blue Horizons” Maritime Tourism & Development Conference, with panelists including distinguished professionals in the maritime tourism and shipping sector, such as Mr. Stefanos Ghikas, Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy of Greece, and Mr. Costas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism.
At the same time, the festival also included social activities, with Paddle for Autism returning for the second consecutive year in a rowing journey of solidarity, supporting the work of the Famagusta Autism Support Association and promoting awareness around autism. Another special moment of the International Sea Tourism Festival 2025 was the open discussion with Olympic Champion Pavlos Kontides, where over 300 students from the Famagusta District had the opportunity to meet him and be inspired by his journey and experiences.
The Ayia Napa Marina was transformed into a hub of ideas, proving that the sea can enchant young and old alike... all year round. The event gave everyone a sense of freedom and Mediterranean summer, despite the autumn date.
The success of ISTF 2025 is not just organizational, but strategic. And of course it is not accidental. Ayia Napa Marina served as the ideal platform, strengthening Cyprus' position to establish itself as one of the key destinations and protagonists in marine tourism in the region.
