The increase in the number of unemployed in November compared to the previous month was noticeable, but not unjustified, according to data announced yesterday by the Statistical Service. Specifically, according to the data of Statistics, unemployment in Cyprus recorded a slight increase in November, as the number of registered unemployed in the District Labour Offices amounted to 10,924 people, compared to 7,099 in October. Based on seasonally adjusted data, which reflect the real trend of the labor market, the unemployed, according to Statistics, amounted to 10,078 people, from 9,723 in October, recording an increase of 3.6%.
It is noted, however, that despite the monthly increase in the number of unemployed, compared to November 2024 there was a decrease in unemployment by 163 people or 1.5%. More specifically, by occupation category, the decrease is mainly attributed to the construction sector, manufacturing, trade, financial and insurance activities, as well as to the decrease in new entrants to the labour market. In the accommodation and food service sector, the unemployed increased sharply to 3,642 people, from 852 in October, due to the end of the tourist season. In wholesale and retail trade, the unemployed increased to 1,569 people (from 1,324 in October), but remain lower than in November last year (1,667). In construction, the unemployed reached 411, significantly less than 541 last year. In manufacturing, there was also a year-on-year decrease (458 persons vs. 557). Finally, the number of new entrants fell to 256 from 421 in November last year.
Returning to the part of the increase in the number of unemployed in November compared to October, it is important to point out that this development is not unjustified, as as every year, it is related to the end of the tourist season. Something that is also pointed out in the announcement of the Statistics itself. As it is added, in the field of accommodation and food services, the unemployed increased sharply to 3,642 people, from 852 in October, due to the end of the tourist season.
Tourism market professionals note that efforts to extend the tourist season should be intensified, as there will be a benefit in this part as well. That is, with the extension of the season, one finds that tourism revenues are also increasing, creating an additional benefit for both businesses in the sector and the economy in general. However, in the event that the extension of the season is consolidated and November is another month of work for tourist accommodation, there will be a double benefit for public finances. In particular, if the hotels remain open and to some extent full until November, on the one hand more revenue will be generated and on the other hand the state will pay smaller amounts as unemployment benefit. In short, the state will have more revenue and less expenses.
It is recalled that a few days ago, Statistics had issued the results regarding the tourism revenues of September, which were quite encouraging, as they had approached the revenues of the two main months of the year, i.e. July and August. Specifically, tourism revenues in September 2025 amounted to €499.9 million, showing an increase of 10.1% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year (€454.1 million). For the period January – September 2025, tourism revenues are estimated at €2.9 billion, compared to €2.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, an increase of 15.4%. In fact, tourism agents note that October is not expected to be particularly far from the September numbers, the result of the successful effort to extend the tourist season. According to the data on arrivals, which precede revenues, in September they amounted to 570.635 compared to 509.463 in the corresponding month of 2024, recording an increase of 12,0%, while October arrivals amounted to 537.744 compared to 459.106 in October 2024, recording an increase of 17,1%.
