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Cypriot Travelers Favor Additional Experiences, According to Mastercard Research

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 26, 2025

Extensive Study Across Europe

A recent in-depth study commissioned by Mastercard reveals that Cypriot travelers are keeping their calendars open for more experiences, even as 2025 draws to a close. Surveying more than 20,000 Europeans across 20 countries, the research underscores the growing trend of consumers postponing final plans until after the year’s end, with many eager to add yet another travel experience before 2026.

Cypriot Travelers: Embracing Additional Experiences

The study shows that nearly half of Cypriot respondents (47%) still have between 7 and 20-plus vacation days available for 2025, with the highest proportion (19%) having 7 to 10 days left unused. In fact, Cyprus leads the pack alongside Switzerland (56%) and Bulgaria (55%) in terms of available leave. This trend reflects a robust culture of experience-seeking, as 71.8% of Cypriots indicated they have one or more experiences they aim to accomplish before the new year.

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Determination and Optimism Across Age Groups

The ambition to seize every available opportunity spans all age groups. Among respondents, 38.2% are set on achieving a single major experience, while 33.6% plan to complete several. Overall, 34.54% believe they are likely to achieve their goals, 26.60% are confident and enthusiastic about their plans, and 36.77% remain hopeful but uncertain. Notably, a significant majority in Cyprus include 71.7% of Generation Z, 74.5% of Millennials, 61.7% of Generation X, and 75% of Baby Boomers, indicating a unified commitment to living life fully across generations.

Travel: The Foremost Experience

The survey further highlights that travel continues to be the foremost experience on the minds of Europeans. Top selections among Cypriots include a dream destination trip (39.55%), trying a new outdoor activity (21.73%), and attending a long-awaited performance or concert (19.78%). Other experiences, such as witnessing a major sporting event (10.45%), dining at a top restaurant (2.65%), or visiting a Christmas market (1.25%), also make periodic appearances among the preferences.

Optimism in the Broader European Context

Comparatively, optimism is even more pronounced among Europeans overall, with over two-thirds (67%) expressing confidence that they will complete at least one target experience by the end of 2025. Countries like Serbia (82%), Sweden (72%), Spain (71%), and France (71%) are highlighted for their strong belief in this trend. Nevertheless, respondents pointed to challenges such as the need for additional savings (23%), the pursuit of the ‘perfect moment’ (13%), and limited free time due to work and commitments (12%) — factors that may hamper the achievement of these experiential goals.

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Digital Euro Moves Forward In EU Push For Payment Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 28, 2026

Strengthening Strategic Autonomy

At an event held at the House of the Euro in Brussels on April 22, central bank officials discussed the role of a digital euro in strengthening the European Union’s financial independence. Participants included Stelios Georgakis, Payments Supervision Director at the Central Bank of Cyprus, and Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Redefining Central Bank Role In A Digital Era

Nagel stated that the digital euro is no longer viewed solely as a technical development but also as part of a broader policy direction. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s payment infrastructure to ensure resilience and independence. The digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it, maintaining the role of central bank money in a more digital financial system.

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Reducing Dependence On Non-European Infrastructure

According to Nagel, around two-thirds of card payments in Europe currently rely on non-European systems. This reliance is seen as a structural vulnerability. A digital euro could help reduce this dependency by supporting a more integrated and locally controlled payments framework.

Legislative Roadmap And Timeline

Looking ahead, Nagel expressed a strong optimism regarding the legislative process, suggesting that completion could occur by year‑end. This progress may set the stage for the first issuance of the digital euro as early as 2029, in alignment with Europe’s broader ambitions for financial resilience and technological advancement.

Comprehensive Payments Strategy

During the discussion, Georgakis outlined the European Central Bank’s approach to payments. The strategy combines retail and wholesale systems, including instant payments, a digital euro, and infrastructure based on distributed ledger technology. Improving cross-border payment efficiency remains a key objective.

Transforming Europe’s Financial Landscape

The discussion reflected alignment between central banks, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the direction of Europe’s payment systems. Development of a digital euro is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen financial infrastructure, support economic resilience, and maintain the euro’s role in a changing global environment.