Breaking news

Cyprus Stock Exchange Records Significant Increase By 12.87% In May

A significant increase of 12.87% was recorded in the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) during May, mainly driven by the rise in financial companies, which accounted for 77.54% of the monthly trading volume.

The weight of Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank stocks was particularly notable.

According to a monthly review issued by CSE in the latest trading session of May 2024, the financial markets experienced a significant surge, with the General Index reaching 163.35 points, marking a notable 12.87% increase from the previous month. This upswing was accompanied by a substantial rise in the total value of shares traded, which increased by 51.28% compared to the preceding month.

However, despite the increase the highest level that the General Index reached for the month was 166,62 points. The other Market Indices reached the following levels: Main Market reached 127.47, Alternative Market 1,314.80, and Investment Companies 1.916,24 points. On a sectoral level, the Hotels Index reached 923.57 points. The FTSE/CySE20 reached 99.30 points. The market capitalisation of shares reached € 4.62 billion. According to this month’s results, the Main Market accounted for 21.28% of the total market capitalisation, the Alternative Market 6.23%, the Surveillance Market 0.49% and the Bond Market 72.01%.

Moreover, the total market capitalisation including the Bond Market reached € 16.52 billion compared to € 15.91 billion the previous month, registering an increase of 3.81%. The total value of transactions during the month in review reached € 17.41 million, with an average of € 0.92 million per trading session.

The Financials sector contributed 77.54% to the total value traded which was the highest among all other sectors. Investors primarily focused their interest on the shares of “Bank of Cyprus Holdings Plc” and also on shares of “Hellenic Bank Public Company Ltd” with 42.53% and 29.09% of the total value respectively.

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.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter