Breaking news

Navigating Inflation: An In-Depth Analysis Of Rising Prices In The Hospitality Sector

Overview Of Rising Costs In The Hospitality Industry

Recent data from the Statistical Service show continued price increases across Cyprus’ hospitality sector, affecting restaurants, cafés, accommodation and travel services. Higher operating costs, including energy and raw materials, have contributed to upward pressure on prices in several categories during the past few years.

Restaurant And Bar Price Dynamics

Prices at restaurants and similar establishments increased by 4% year-on-year in May, following a 5% rise recorded in the same month last year. According to Statistical Service data, restaurant prices increased by 6.4% in 2024, 3.9% in 2023, 7.3% in 2022 and 0.6% in 2021, highlighting a broader upward trend over the past five years. Prices at cafeterias and casual dining venues also continued to rise, with the index increasing by 2.9% in May after a 4.4% increase in May 2025.

Pressure On Beverage And Snack Prices

Price increases extended to alcoholic beverages, where the index rose by 1.5% year-on-year in May. Wine prices increased by 1% after declining by 3.8% a year earlier, while beer prices rose by 1.65% following decreases of 2.7% in 2024 and 2.9% in 2023. Among non-alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and fruit juices continued to record increases, while coffee and coffee substitutes posted one of the sharpest rises, with prices up 12.7% in May.

Accommodation And Travel Expenses

Accommodation costs also moved higher during the period. Hotel and motel prices increased by 3.4% year-on-year in May, continuing a pattern of fluctuations seen in recent years. Full-service accommodation prices have risen by as much as 16.3% in some periods, although occasional declines have also been recorded. Organised holiday packages became more expensive as well, with prices rising by 12.5% in the latest reporting period.

Escalating Transportation Costs

Air travel costs also increased in May. The passenger air transport index rose by 8.6%, reversing declines recorded in previous periods. Fuel prices and broader operating costs continue to influence pricing across the aviation sector.

Conclusion And Outlook

Recent data indicate that prices across dining, accommodation and travel services remain higher than a year ago. Although the pace of increases varies between categories, the figures highlight the continued impact of inflation and operating costs on the hospitality sector.

Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

eCredo
Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter