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High Occupancy Rates for Cyprus Restaurants in October; Winter Decline Anticipated

Restaurants, cafes, and bars in Cyprus experienced a strong October, with occupancy levels reaching 80 to 90 per cent, according to Neophytos Thrasyvoulou, president of the Federation of Leisure Centre Owners (Osika). He described October as a “very successful month” for the food service industry.

However, with winter approaching, Thrasyvoulou acknowledged potential challenges, especially with the impact of regional instability. “Visitor numbers have seen a slight drop in recent days,” he noted, though he hopes that occupancy levels will remain steady until mid-November. By early November, Thrasyvoulou expects visitor occupancy to hover around 50 to 60 per cent, after which the responsibility will lie with businesses to keep operating, with support from the Labour Ministry’s programme to extend the tourism season.

Reflecting on the earlier summer months of June and July, Thrasyvoulou highlighted that visitor numbers were initially lower than expected, largely due to Middle East tensions. The trend eventually improved, leading to a stronger second half of the season.

Despite rising costs, Thrasyvoulou urged business owners to maintain affordable pricing, aiming to keep dining accessible for both locals and tourists amid economic pressures.

Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

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