A BLOW TO EMPLOYMENT DUE TO TOURISM - Filenews 4/7 by Angelos Angelodimou
The geopolitical crisis that is ongoing in our region has dealt a blow to employment. As it turns out, at the end of June there was an increase in the number of unemployed, a period in which the exact opposite is happening. This is because in June all hotels in tourist areas are already fully operational, a development that implies an increase in employment. However, this year things are quite different.
The downing of the drone on British bases on March 1, 2026 caused great disruption both inside and outside the country, resulting in a major debate about whether Cyprus continues to be a safe travel destination. The results of March and April in terms of arrivals and tourism revenues were disappointing, with the result that many hoteliers chose to keep their units closed or operate with minimal staff.
As a result, the tourist season was delayed in starting, which also had a noticeable impact on employment. Now, and having already entered July, i.e. in the heart of summer, everyone involved in the industry is hoping that a mass flow of tourists from last-minute bookings will begin and the situation will improve. Both in the part of the employment of employees, as well as in the operation of hotel and tourist accommodation, but also in all similar sectors, which are directly or indirectly affected by tourism.
Yesterday, the Statistical Service released the data on unemployment for the month of June. According to them, an increase of 903 people or 9,9% was recorded in the number of registered unemployed at the end of the month under review and amounted to 10.056 people, compared to 9.153 people in June 2025. According to the Statistical Service, based on seasonally adjusted data, which reflect the trend of unemployment, the number of registered unemployed in June 2026 increased to 10,656 people, compared to 10,543 in the previous month. Specifically, based on the data kept at the District Labour Offices, the increase of 903 people in June 2026 is attributed, according to the Statistical Service, mainly to the sectors of accommodation and food service services, public administration, education and activities related to human health and social care.
In the meantime, a large part of the employment during the summer season concerns the profession of lifeguard. In yesterday's joint announcement, the two tourist associations STEK and PASYXE recommend the immediate establishment of a working group with the participation of all competent bodies, with the aim of developing a comprehensive national strategy to address the shortage of lifeguards. "Hotel businesses are called upon to meet increased needs in a market where there is not a sufficient number of certified lifeguards available," they note. Among other things, they suggest the provision of substantial incentives for young people, students and the unemployed, so that they can be trained and certified as lifeguards.
