Schengen-ready airports: Cyprus will abolish the current passport control scanners at Larnaca and Paphos and replace them with fully automated ABC gates by the end of the year, with categories of travellers to be reviewed ahead of Schengen internal border controls. Mountain tourism push: The Presidential Residence in Troodos opens to the public on 6 September for “Pame Troodos 3”, a day of local produce, crafts, music and children’s activities, with proceeds supporting an elderly care home. Local travel demand: Cypriots are still travelling in record numbers, with trips abroad expected to top 2.1 million in 2026—up 7% year-on-year—showing travel is becoming a regular part of life. Hotel staffing dispute: PASYXE says it has no reports or evidence of illegal hotel employment after union allegations, urging anyone with specific information to report it to authorities. Road safety weekend: Police will run seat-belt and child-seat checks across Cyprus on 22–23 August, targeting ongoing violations. Tourism planning controversy: New reporting highlights Israeli-backed developments in Latchi, Trozena and Polemidia facing unresolved permits, planning concerns and community impact questions. Festival food culture: Ayios Ioannis Pitsilias hosts its 7th Gastronomy Festival on 30 August, featuring Paris chefs and local village cooking traditions. Travel costs at checkout: EU changes may add a new handling fee on top of the €3 duty for small online orders, meaning Temu/Shein-style bargains could cost more in Cyprus.