Stakeholders in the tourism industry have sent a letter requesting an urgent meeting with the Deputy Minister of Tourism to be briefed on the government's actions and intentions regarding industry support, according to an announcement by the POVEK General Confederation.

In the announcement, POVEK states that during a meeting held last Monday in Ayia Napa, representatives from various organizations—including the Famagusta Leisure Center Owners Association (SIKA), the Ayia Napa Shopkeepers Association, the Water Sports and Entertainment Association, and the Car Rental Association discussed the "tragic situation facing businesses in purely tourist areas as a result of the conflict in the Middle East."

"The vertical drop in tourist traffic has brought a significant decrease exceeding 50% in some cases in the turnover of businesses operating in tourist zones, with very ominous forecasts for the summer months," the statement adds.

Within this context, the risk to business viability has become visible, threatening workers who face being left out of work for the entire summer period and jeopardizing labor stability.

"We address the Government, the Relevant Ministries, political and economic stakeholders, as well as Labor Unions, calling on them to respond immediately and responsibly. They must recognize the severity of the situation and contribute substantially to supporting businesses and employees in tourism-dependent areas with specific measures and actions before it is too late," the POVEK announcement reads.

It further emphasizes that it is "imperative to ensure the inclusion of all branches of the tourism industry in existing government support schemes, aiming for equal treatment of all involved and the preservation of jobs."

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)