Cyprus Retail Sector Records Robust Growth In January

New data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat) show that retail trade expanded in January, with both value and volume indices increasing year-over-year.

Retail Trade Gains Drive Economic Momentum

The value index of retail turnover rose 7.4%, while the volume index increased 8.3% compared with January 2025. The parallel rise in value and volume indicates higher sales receipts and increased quantities sold, pointing to sustained consumer demand at the start of the year.

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Broad Economic Trends Foster A Positive Outlook

Retail growth aligns with broader domestic indicators. Manufacturing output increased 4.4% between January and November 2025, while authorized building permits reached 2,612,000 square meters, up 30.7% compared with the previous period. The construction data suggest continued investment activity across the sector.

Automotive And Trade Performance Highlight Economic Stability

Motor vehicle registrations rose 5.8% in 2025. Private saloon cars increased 3.2%, while light goods vehicles rose 6.9%. Inflation remained subdued, with the consumer price index increasing 0.1% year-over-year. External trade also expanded, with imports reaching €13.55 billion, up 7.7%, and exports rising 7% to €5.5 billion.

Surge In Tourism Strengthens Economic Recovery

Tourist arrivals totaled 4,534,073 between January and December 2025, up 12.2% compared with the previous year. Tourism remains a key contributor to overall economic performance, supporting services, retail, and transport activity.

Conclusion

January retail growth reflects broader expansion across manufacturing, construction, trade, and tourism. The data show continued economic activity across multiple sectors at the start of the year.

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Cyprus And Greece Outline Joint Tourism Plans For Summer 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 1, 2026

Strategic Partnership Enhances Tourism Prospects

The Cyprus Tourism Authority (EOT Cyprus) presented proposals for summer 2026 focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, with joint efforts aimed at attracting visitors from long-haul markets.

Greece: The Top Destination For Cypriot Travelers

At an event on April 28, Athena Spakouri, Director of EOT Cyprus, said Greece is expected to remain the main travel destination for Cypriot residents, with plans extending beyond established locations to include lesser-known regions. This approach reflects a broader effort to diversify travel options while maintaining strong demand between the two countries.

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Complementary Destinations, Unified Vision

Building on this, Spakouri noted that Cyprus and Greece offer complementary tourism experiences rather than competing directly. Joint programmes are therefore being positioned to attract visitors from markets such as the United States and China, while tourism activity continues to be assessed in the context of broader geopolitical developments.

Robust Air And Sea Connectivity

Supporting this cooperation, Konstantinos Kollias said around 600,000 Cypriots travelled to Greece in 2025. Frequent flights, short travel times, and ferry connections between Limassol and Piraeus continue to facilitate movement between the two countries and sustain travel flows.

Diverse Tourism Offerings for a New Era

Konstantinos Kollias highlighted that Greece’s tourism portfolio spans from traditional seaside holidays to sectors such as cultural, religious, gastronomic, agritourism, ecotourism, spa, conference, and medical tourism.

This range reflects the expansion of tourism offerings across different segments and travel preferences. In parallel, Joseph Iosif referred to Greece as a “second homeland” for Cypriot travellers, pointing to longstanding cultural and travel links between the two countries.

Innovative Programs And Strengthened Connections

Building on this approach, the EOT strategy includes initiatives focused on gastronomic routes, cultural trails, thematic and religious tourism, as well as curated city breaks in destinations such as Athens and Thessaloniki. These programmes were presented at the event alongside references to historical, cultural, and religious connections between Cyprus and Greece, including remarks from Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.

Boosting Air Connectivity And Island Accessibility

At the same time, airlines including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Cyprus Airways outlined plans to expand connections between Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on increasing access to island destinations. The event also brought together stakeholders from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Hermes Airports, tour operators, and ACTAA, reflecting coordination across different parts of the tourism sector.

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