Famagusta, Cyprus. The economy of the Famagusta district is coming under growing strain from the fallout of developments in the Middle East, with Paralimni-Deryneia mayor Giorgos Nikolettos saying the new tourist season will partly depend on how quickly Cyprus restores confidence in key foreign markets.
Mayor calls for broader tourism support
In a written statement, Nikolettos welcomed the government’s recently announced support measures, but said additional steps could still be taken so that assistance is applied more broadly across the tourism industry.
He said the district’s economy was being “severely tested” by the regional situation, adding that the municipality was in constant contact with hoteliers, Ayia Napa municipality, Pasyxe, Etap Famagusta, airlines and tour agencies in an effort to push for targeted interventions at decision-making centres.
Students introduced to shipping sector in Limassol
Cyprus brought 95 students from lyceums and technical schools in Limassol and Paphos closer to the shipping industry on Tuesday, as the Deputy Ministry of Shipping held the educational day ‘Getting to know the world of Shipping’ at the Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Maritime Education Centre in Limassol Marina.
Held for the third consecutive year in cooperation with the counselling and vocational education service of the ministry of education, sports and youth, the event aimed to give students a first-hand look at a sector that remains one of the island’s most important industries, while also pointing to the range of career opportunities it offers.
The students were introduced to shipping professions and future career prospects, while also learning more about the structure and operation of shipping companies.
They were also given an overview of modern branches of the blue economy, an area gaining increasing attention as the maritime sector broadens beyond its traditional activities.
Hotel sector awaits wage-subsidy scheme details
Hotel operators were awaiting details on Thursday of a government wage-subsidy scheme, with the industry looking to the labour ministry for a plan due to be announced on April 2 as Cyprus tries to shield tourism from the fallout of the Middle East war.
The latest round of contacts came as government officials, hotel representatives and unions stepped up consultations over the past 24 hours in a bid to shape a proposal acceptable to all sides.
Trade unions, which met Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou in the presence of director of labour relations Andis Apostolou and the ministry’s director general Stelios Chimonas, said any final scheme must be built around the full protection of workers’ rights, the safeguarding of earnings and the continuation of employment.
What measures do you think are most important for restoring confidence in Cyprus’ key tourism markets?