Filenews 24 March 2024 - by George Coucounis
Hotels are racing just before the start of the new tourist season 2024 to complete their preparations, so that they will be ready to receive foreign travellers who will stay in them from April onwards. The flow of bookings after the numbness observed in winter is gradually increasing, following the generous discounts offered by hotels to their tour operators partners. The countries of central and northern Europe, as well as England, despite the economic recession that affects them, continue to be the arms that keep Cyprus firmly as an attractive tourist destination.
Admittedly, Cyprus is withstanding the competition of countries such as Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Greece and France, due to the Olympic Games this year. The advantages provided by Cyprus, the sun, the sea, the hospitality, the very good climate and food and the competitive prices, keep it quite high as a preferred and safe destination for rest, recreation and fun.
This year's tourist year is expected to be marginally at the same levels as last year. The loss of Israel's market due to the war may affect a number of hotels that would accept visitors from that country, but all other hotels are around the same level as last year. The decrease in bookings observed for the months of April and May is small, in the order of 2-4%. It is expected that this difference will soon be covered, since there is still time and the discounts given enhance and increase bookings daily. The remaining months are stable and/or there is an increase, especially from June and therefore occupancy will be kept at high levels as last year.
Lack of staff
The biggest concern in hotels continues this year to be the lack of qualified workers. The effort to import foreign labour has helped somewhat to improve the pressing need, but it needs to be strengthened, since the local market cannot meet the multiple needs of the sector. There is also concern about irresponsibility at work on the part of some workers, who seek to exploit the need due to staff shortages and secure even higher wages, well beyond their qualifications and ability.
These actions are unjustified and endanger the hotel industry, as employees move from one hotel to another, although highly paid, without first discussing and/or giving notice to the employer, just before the tourist season begins. This is purely unethical behaviour, which disrupts the relationship with the employer, thwarts his plans and affects the stability of the tourism industry, which is in no one's interest. At the same time, it highlights the pressing need for adequate staffing of hotel units with specialized, experienced and trained staff from abroad.
The economy of the place is based on tourism and everyone receives a share of the revenue. This requires decisions to be taken to resolve this chronic problem, which is the Achilles' heel of tourism. There are shortages of manpower of all specialties and fewer and fewer Cypriots are interested in working in the hotel industry. The introduction of foreign workers, especially experienced to fill positions in various job positions, is a need and a priority so that hotels can meet their obligations. Cyprus cannot afford to lose the good name it has created and must not only preserve it, but also raise it, in view of the constant competition it receives, in the interest of the country.
Strict hygiene and safety standards
The prospects for tourism in Cyprus to rise even further in quality are great and hotels, in addition to upgrades, adopt strict hygiene standards, providing visitors with a sense of security and enjoyment from the variety offered, based on the Mediterranean diet to satisfy the visitor.
They also promote programmes aimed at protecting the environment and green growth. Several hotels, due to the significant cost of electricity, installed photovoltaics on the roof of their premises.
The high level of hospitality should be a primary concern for everyone and the effort should be aimed in this direction. Any investment aimed at improving the tourist product is positive, recognizable by the visitor, contributes to the increase of income and is profitable for the place.
Lawyer in Larnaca
