Yiannis Karousos was born on 21 November 1979 in Ayia Napa. He holds a BSc (Hons) in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Surrey, UK, where he specialized in strategic development of tourist destinations. Additionally, he holds an MBA (Joint) from the French ESSEC Business School and Cornell University, USA. He has also been awarded the tittle of Chartered Marketer from the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing. Prior to his appointment as a Minister of Transport, Communications and Works on December 3, 2019, he served as the Mayor of Ayia Napa (2013 – 2019) and as Municipal Councilor of Ayia Napa (2006 – 2013). He also assumed the positions of the President of the Famagusta Province Tourism Development and Promotion Society, the President of the Ayia Napa Sewerage Board and the President of the Ayia Napa – Paralimni Sewerage Board Consortium. He was the founder and President of the Youth Council of Ayia Napa, he served as Chairman of the Tourism Committee and as a member of the Cultural Committee of Ayia Napa Municipality. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of the Charitable Foundation ‘Despina’, which supports children with diabetes. He is married to Maria Anastasi with whom they have two children.