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New record of arrivals from France likely, says Deputy Tourism Minister

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Cyprus may break its record for tourist arrivals from France this year, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis.

Speaking during a series of meetings in the French capital, Koumis, who is leading Cyprus’ delegation at the 2024 IFTM tourism exhibition, expressed optimism that arrivals from France could surpass last year’s figure of 80,000 visitors.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Koumis had discussions with senior officials from tourism organisations and airlines operating between France and Cyprus. The focus of the talks included the continued growth of the French market in Cyprus, which is expected to set new records this year, as well as visitor satisfaction and efforts by the ministry to promote niche tourism. 

At the IFTM exhibition, the Cyprus delegation hosted a breakfast featuring traditional Cypriot cuisine, in line with the “Cyprus Breakfast” initiative. Notable guests included Valerie Boned, President of the French Association of Travel Agents, and Lawrence Gaborieau, Director of the IFTM exhibition. The annual event is one of the largest and oldest professional tourism exhibitions in the world, attracting thousands of industry professionals.

The French market has seen a significant 25% increase in tourist arrivals to Cyprus from January to August 2024 compared to the previous year, and an impressive 217% rise compared to the same period in 2019.

Koumis highlighted that the French market had been slow to grow in Cyprus due to several factors, most notably the preference of French tourists for French-speaking destinations. However, he pointed out that in recent years, there has been a notable surge in French arrivals, with this year expected to set a new record.

“We must conduct a thorough analysis of the profile of the French visitor,” Koumis said, adding that recent surveys show French travelers are particularly conscious of environmental issues and green development. “They assess destinations based on sustainable practices, which is why green transition efforts are essential for the future of tourism.”

Koumis further emphasised the importance of continuing to attract French tourists in the coming year, building on this year’s high performance while considering evolving trends in visitor preferences.

“About 50% of French tourists prioritise sun and sea destinations, but we are also seeing a growing interest in lesser-known locations, which is a dynamic trend that extends beyond France,” he said.

EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.

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