Generous and targeted incentives by the state demanded to boost domestic tourism
Statement by the Head of the Tourism Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL Costas Costa MP on the situation in the tourism industry
16th June 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
AKEL expresses its deep concern about the situation in the tourism industry and in particular about the limited bookings and arrivals. After Britain’s recent decisions, unfortunately the forecasts are not positive at all and it is obvious that the effects on our country’s economy, of which tourism is the main pillar, will be dramatic.
We reiterate that for a year now, in May 2020, we have made public, and of course submitted to the government, our package of proposals for dealing with the situation, which was based on projecting Cyprus as a safe destination in dealing with Covid-19, together with the promotion of domestic tourism by providing incentives for domestic and primarily for social tourism.
More specifically, our proposal stresses the need for proper and timely planning and for the provision of generous and targeted incentives by the state in order to boost domestic tourism.
At the same time as Cyprus’ tourism industry is facing very serious problems, unfortunately the competent Ministry of Tourism has recently decided that the months of July and August are to be excluded from the new Domestic Tourism Support Scheme.
We consider this decision to be erroneous and AKEL calls on the government to include these specific months in this scheme too, giving the opportunity to our compatriots who do not have the economic capability to benefit from the relevant incentives of the state.
