WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST - DISY's 7 PROPOSALS FOR TOURISM - Filenews 17/3
The president and members of the leadership of the economic staff of the Democratic Rally held a meeting with representatives of the main bodies of tourism and the economy on Friday, with the aim of exchanging assessments on the possible effects on the Cypriot economy from the crisis in the Middle East, submitting at the same time seven proposals.
The meeting was attended by representatives of PASYXE, STEK and the Association of Tour Operators, as well as the CCCI, OEB and the Cyprus Shipping Chamber of Cyprus.
During the meeting, according to a statement, it was pointed out that the crisis in the region intensifies uncertainty and creates serious risks for sectors such as tourism, energy and trade. At the same time, concern was expressed that the increase in international prices of energy, freight and other raw materials may cause a new cycle of inflationary pressures, with negative consequences for households and businesses.
Regarding tourism, industry representatives said that cancellations of bookings are already being recorded, mainly for the period March-May, while there is also a slowdown in the pace of new bookings for the coming months. As noted, this image makes it necessary to take initiatives to strengthen the image of Cyprus as a safe destination, as well as to take additional measures to support the sector.
In her statements after the meeting, the president of DISY Annita Dimitriou stated that through the meeting there was an opportunity to exchange views, assessments and suggestions with tourism and economic bodies, underlining that the environment is characterized by great uncertainty. As he said, the crisis in the Middle East creates risks that were not visible a few weeks ago and for this reason a comprehensive management plan is urgently needed.
Ms. Dimitriou also pointed out that the risks for the tourism industry, at a time when basic planning is being done, must be addressed as soon as possible, otherwise very serious consequences may arise. At the same time, he said that energy prices are a significant blow to households and businesses, adding that the state must prepare for any eventuality, as both the depth and duration of the war remain unknown.
He added that the Democratic Rally submits specific proposals, which also emerged through the meeting. Among these, as he mentioned, are the preservation of air connectivity, the promotion of incentive schemes to support the tourism industry and tour operators, following the model of the pandemic period, as well as the undertaking of an international promotion campaign of Cyprus with an increase in the relevant budget.
Specifically, the measures submitted by DISY:
1. To preserve air connectivity.
2. To launch incentive schemes to support the industry and tour operators as was done in the management of Covid.
3. Campaign for international promotion and increase of the budget. This is precisely where we should mention the immediate need to review the travel advice from the US and the UK.
4. Utilization of the Presidency of the EU and normal elaboration of any organized activity.
5. Measures to support and safeguard employees.
6. Assurances and assurances for tour operators.
7. Elaboration of a crisis management plan in the tourism industry.
The president of DISY also raised the issue of an immediate review of travel instructions from the US and the UK, while stating that the Cyprus Presidency of the EU must be used and all organized activities should continue normally. The recommendations he recorded also include measures to support and safeguard employees, provide assurances to travel agents and develop a crisis management plan for the tourism industry.
Concluding, Ms. Dimitriou said that all of the above are crucial both for the immediate containment of the effects and for the medium and long-term preparation of the country, stressing that seriousness, responsibility and cooperation of all are required, in order to limit the consequences and deal with this crisis as well.
