In a recent report released by the Statistical Service on Tuesday, the retail trade turnover exhibited a substantial growth of 8.4% in value and 6.4% in volume during June 2023 in comparison to the same month of the preceding year.

The Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade for June 2023 displayed an impressive 8.4% upswing. Notably, the most remarkable surge was witnessed in the retail sale of food, beverages, and tobacco within specialized stores. Moreover, there was a notable increase of 15.3% in the trade of items such as computers, telecommunications equipment, curtains, carpets, books, stationery, sporting equipment, toys, flowers, plants, watches, and jewelry. Additionally, the sale of food products, textiles, clothing, and footwear experienced a substantial rise of 13.3%.

In contrast, a significant decrease of 17.6% in value was recorded in the retail sale of automotive fuel within specialized stores.

The Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade for the same month, June 2023, registered a growth of 6.4% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Among various categories, the trade of computers, telecommunications equipment, curtains, carpets, books, stationery, sporting equipment, toys, flowers, plants, watches, and jewelry showcased the highest increase of 12.5%. Furthermore, the sales of textiles, clothing, and footwear surged by 9.3% in volume, while the sale of non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) experienced an 8.6% rise.

June saw a substantial 7.7% increase in the volume of retail trade of automotive fuel within specialized stores.

For the cumulative period of January to June 2023, the Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade exhibited a noteworthy increase of 11.5%, accompanied by a 7.4% growth in the Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade.

Visitation to recreation centers across Cyprus showed a range of 70% to 80% in July, according to statements from Phyto Thrasivoulou, the President of the Pan-Cypriot Association of Recreation Center Owners.

Thrasivoulou noted that July didn't meet the expectations of catering businesses, experiencing a significant decrease in foot traffic, with some regions seeing around a 40% drop.

As July came to a close, local visitors began to return, and an increase in visitation is anticipated for August due to the summer holidays.

Thrasivoulou also pointed out a softening of the market, suggesting that August's customer base from Central European countries could lead to positive changes.

Expressing optimism, he highlighted efforts from a recent meeting between OSICA and the Deputy Minister of Tourism, aimed at attracting more tourists from the United Kingdom—a market that has historically supported Cyprus.

Looking ahead, Thrasivoulou anticipated that September and October would help recover the lost ground from previous months.