In recent years, the Pernera area has been facing significant competitiveness challenges, stated Mr. Kostas Koumis, Deputy Minister of Tourism. He pointed out that, since 2006, eight tourist facilities in the area have closed down.

According to Mr. Koumis, the coastal zone does not have a competitiveness problem, despite one closed facility there. "The level of competitiveness in the coastal area is very high and is expected to rise even further in the coming years," he noted. The problem, he emphasized, is concentrated in the core and peripheral areas of Pernera, where some hotel units are either closed or have low competitiveness due to years without renovation.

"This unfortunately leads to a downward trend for the neighboring leisure centers, whose success was almost entirely dependent on the occupancy of these units," he added.

However, Mr. Koumis acknowledged the presence of exceptional entrepreneurs in the area who have invested in their units or in gastronomy, enjoying high occupancy or visitor rates, and deserving congratulations.

Discussing the notion that the loss of the Russian market is solely to blame, the Deputy Minister mentioned that this loss might have worsened the situation, but the problem appears to be longstanding.

The Ministry of Tourism, he notes, is well aware of both the problems in the area and the demands of the entrepreneurs. For instance, he mentioned two recently announced incentive plans. One is a subsidy program aimed at hotel businesses wishing to specialize in health and wellness, offering them an opportunity for upgrades. A special presentation of this plan was held in Paralimni to explain it to interested entrepreneurs, particularly those in the area.

The second plan involves subsidies for leisure centers and traditional product shops. This plan is more general, addressing all leisure centers regardless of specialization, as many have been affected by the prolonged crises in tourism in recent years.

"In response, we have provided financial support solutions for both hotel businesses and leisure centers, as well as traditional product shops," he stated.

Additionally, Mr. Koumis mentioned the Ministry's efforts to revive interest in a previous proposal by a University Institute to create a training center in the area. He also noted a recent visit to the area with the Minister of Transport to consider redesigning a road that runs through the core of Pernera, despite its recent completion.