Breaking news

Cyprus Inflation Eases In October 2025 Amid Mixed Sector Performance

According to the Cyprus Statistical Service, October 2025 saw inflation ease by 0.3% in challenging economic conditions. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased to 118.25 units from 117.71 units in September, marking a monthly rise of 0.54 units, though the annual trend is in decline.

Sectoral Shifts: Electricity And Agricultural Products Under Pressure

When compared with October 2024, the service sector experienced the highest positive change at +3%. In stark contrast, the electricity segment plummeted by 7.5% and agricultural products dropped by 2.6%. Notably, electricity registered the largest monthly improvement with a 1.7% increase over September 2025.

Boosts In Dining And Education

The data reveals that Restaurants and Hotels recorded the most significant year-over-year increase at +4.4%, closely followed by Education at +3.5%. Conversely, Apparel and Footwear experienced a substantial decline of 6.7%, while Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages fell by 2.1%. On a monthly basis, Apparel and Footwear surged by 3.6% and Education increased by 1.2%.

Year-To-Date Trends

From January through October 2025, the sectors recording the highest gains relative to the same period in 2024 were Restaurants and Hotels (+4.7%), Education (+3.7%), and Recreation and Culture (+3.3%). In contrast, Apparel and Footwear posted the steepest decline at –6.2%.

Impact Analysis On The CPI

A closer look at the annual CPI shift reveals that Restaurants and Hotels (+0.48) and Education (+0.16) contributed most positively. Meanwhile, Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (–0.52) and Apparel and Footwear (–0.51) were the largest detractors. On a monthly scale, Apparel and Footwear (+0.25) and the Housing, Water, Electricity and Gas sector (+0.12) played critical roles. Additionally, Food Services contributed an extra +0.50 on an annual basis, while negative effects were observed in Apparel Items (–0.43) and Electricity (–0.43).

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.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter