Paralimni, Cyprus. The Famagusta district is facing economic pressure from the fallout of the Middle East war, with Paralimni-Deryneia mayor Giorgos Nikolettos calling for broader and clearer government support for the tourism sector.
Mayor welcomes measures but calls for wider coverage
Nikolettos told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that the district was going through a particularly difficult period, as developments affecting tourism and hotels were testing the local economy.
He said the package announced by the government showed the state understood the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate intervention, but added that further steps could have been taken so that support was applied more broadly across the whole tourism sector.
Need for clarity on implementation
Nikolettos said there was an urgent need for clear guidance on how the measures would be implemented, including whether they would apply to businesses already in operation and to units due to open after April 1.
“In a period where every day of operation entails significant costs and every decision directly affects employment and the viability of businesses, clarity is crucial,” he said.
Coordination with stakeholders and calls on diplomacy
Nikolettos said the municipality had been on constant alert from the outset, working closely with local hoteliers, Ayia Napa municipality, Pasyxe, Etap Famagusta, airlines, tour agencies, embassies, airports and other relevant stakeholders.
He said the municipality was also making targeted interventions towards decision-making centres so that the state response would be timely, meaningful and effective.
Nikolettos called for stronger diplomatic and political efforts to secure a review of travel advisories issued by foreign countries, saying Cyprus needed to more actively project its stability and safety as a reliable European destination. He added that the country’s image abroad was directly affecting bookings, confidence in the market and the course of this year’s tourist season.
How do you think clearer guidance on government measures would affect tourism businesses in Famagusta district?
