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Central Bank of Cyprus Data Highlights Robust Growth in December 2025

Overview Of December Financial Trends

Recent data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) underscores a strong performance in the nation’s monetary market. The report, detailed in the CBC’s Monetary and Financial Statistics January 2026 edition, shows that the annual growth rate for deposits reached 6.50 percent while loans increased at an annual rate of 10.70 percent in December 2025.

Deposits Performance And Seasonal Influences

Total deposits witnessed a net increase of €877.10 million in December 2025, a notable rise from the €330.80 million increase recorded in November 2025. The aggregate deposit base reached €58.70 billion by year’s end. This growth, which recorded an annual rate of 6.50 percent—the slight downbeat from November’s 6.70 percent—is largely attributed to seasonal influences. Notably, Cyprus residents contributed a significant increase of €948.30 million, with household deposits rising by €622.30 million. Deposits by non-financial corporations and other domestic sectors added €51.20 million and €274.80 million, respectively.

Robust Expansion In Loan Portfolios

The loan segment demonstrated an even more vigorous performance. Total loans saw a net increase of €587.20 million in December 2025, compared to just €71.50 million in November. This surge boosted the outstanding loan balance to €27.10 billion, while the annual growth rate edged up to 10.70 percent from 10.50 percent the previous month. Disaggregated data indicates that loans to Cyprus residents increased by €250.50 million. Specifically, household loans grew by €113.00 million, and lending to non-financial corporations expanded by €150.10 million, albeit with a modest overall decline of €12.60 million in loans to other domestic sectors.

Implications For The Monetary Landscape

The findings illuminate a dynamic and evolving monetary landscape in Cyprus, where both deposit and lending activities are moving in tandem with economic cycles influenced by seasonal trends. This robust financial performance not only reflects increased confidence among households and businesses but also sets the stage for a more resilient banking sector moving forward.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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