Increased charges for sunbeds and umbrellas are recorded this year on organized beaches in several provinces of Cyprus, following a decision by the Central Beach Committee.
The Commission is responsible for setting the ceiling on the prices that each municipality can set for sunbeds and umbrellas. From 2008 until today it amounted to €2.50, while they decided to increase the ceiling to €3.50 per sunbed and €3 per umbrella from this year.
According to a report by the show "Mesimeri kai Kati" in Sigma, the picture varies from province to province. In Larnaca, prices remain unchanged for the time being, at €2.50 for a sunbed and €2.50 for an umbrella, with no increases being applied for this season.
On the contrary, in the free province of Famagusta, the new charges are set at €3.50 for the sunbed and €3 for the umbrella. As clarified, within the municipal boundaries of the Municipality of Ayia Napa the specific prices have already been implemented.
Increased charges are also recorded in Limassol and Paphos. In Limassol, the upper limit approved by the Central Beach Commission is also €3.50 for the sunbed and €3 for the umbrella. However, the final charges depend on the bids of the contractors and the individuals who manage the spaces. In Paphos, the same increased prices have been applied since May 1st.
It is emphasized that the prices refer exclusively to the charges imposed by the municipalities, while private managers and hotel units have the right to independently determine their own prices for umbrellas and sunbeds.
Consumers demand a review of the ceiling
The increases have already brought about the first reactions, since according to the legal advisor of the Cyprus Consumers Association, Virginia Christou, in recent days the Association has received a large number of questions and complaints from citizens about the new charges on the beaches.
Ms. Christou noted that the increase in the price of the sunbed from €2.50 to €3.50 corresponds to about 40%, while the increase in the umbrella from €2.50 to €3 corresponds to about 20%.
As she said, the amounts may seem small in isolation, however for families who need more than one sunbed and umbrella, the total cost becomes noticeably higher.
She underlined that several consumers expressed indignation, believing that municipalities should take more account of the increased cost of living and the constant price increases faced by households.
The Cyprus Consumers Association, as she mentioned, calls on both municipalities and contractors to reconsider their decisions, so that any increases are limited to lower levels and a fairer policy is formulated for the benefit of citizens.
