President Christodoulides announced a €10 million increase in the Deputy Tourism Ministry’s budget for 2025 to enhance the country’s promotion abroad, fulfilling a long-standing request from tourism stakeholders.
He also highlighted the potential for a direct air link between Cyprus and the US, revealing that an American company is currently exploring this possibility.
Speaking at the general assembly of PASYXE, the President included this air link in the strategic dialogue with the US, which is expected to lead to the abolition of the visa requirement for Cypriot citizens.
Additionally, President Christodoulides informed hoteliers about the establishment of a five-year plan for the training of employees in partially or wholly suspended hotel units. This initiative aims to increase the number of year-round operating hotels by subsidising employment rather than unemployment, a request made by the hoteliers. This plan was recently finalised in collaboration with PASYXE and the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (STEK).
He also addressed the resolution of staffing issues in hotels and the acceleration of applications for foreign personnel.
PASYXE President Thanos Michaelides, despite acknowledging last year’s positive performance and the increase observed this year, expressed concerns for 2023. He emphasised the need for flexibility in the labour market, strategic planning for sustainability, and reiterated the association’s opposition to the imposition of new overnight fees as part of green taxation.
Michaelides noted that, despite the increase in visits and revenues, arrivals do not directly translate to hotel occupancies. He pointed out that last year’s average annual gross occupancy in hotels did not reach 50%.
According to data, 34% of foreign visitors stayed in occupied Cyprus or unauthorised accommodations available for short-term rental.
