Back in 2019, such a period, most of the publications were mainly about estimates of whether free Famagusta will be able to meet the high demand and the projected increased arrivals.
Unfortunately, two years ago no one expected that in one year, the tourism industry would be at "zero" and would be hit hard by a pandemic hitting the planet for the second consecutive year.
A few days before the start -as it would usually happen- of the tourist season, the "heavy industry" of our country is at a dead end. This is due to the murky landscape as to whether tourists will be able to travel from their country, whether they will choose our country as a safe destination and whether and what restrictive measures will be in place during the summer that are likely to discourage visitors.
Arrivals
The main concern for travel agents and entrepreneurs is whether at least traditional markets such as the United Kingdom, Russia and the Nordic countries will be able to travel from their country to visit ours. Of course, in order for this to be possible, there must be a corresponding categorization of the country so that tourists can enter our country without having to be restricted. On the other hand, it is important that the EU approves a list of approved rapid tests in order to make it easier for visitors to check before leaving their country.
The "green passport"
As much as the EU approval of the "health passport" with which travelers will be able to travel to the countries of their choice caused optimism, however, various questions arise regarding its issuance and use.
- What will happen to non-EU countries (such as the United Kingdom and Russia) and whether our country should rush to conclude transnational agreements as with Israel?
- Will the countries manage to speed up their vaccination program until the summer so that the ages 18-50 can be vaccinated, which is the most important share of tourists traveling to our country?
The lockdown and restrictive measures
The Famagusta.News contacted hotel managers as well as businessmen in tourism companies who expressed their concern for the next tourist season, at least regarding the restrictive measures that are or will be in force in the summer.
Some of the problems and questions among entrepreneurs in the tourism industry are:
- Whether there will still be restrictive measures regarding travel during the summer season and how tourists will travel.
- What restrictions will exist in the catering area.
- What are the restrictions on hotels in terms of occupancy, use of public areas, swimming pools, massage parlors and spas.
- How will the hotel industry restart and how many hotels are being prepared or will make the decision to roll up.
- If there will be plans for staff of hotel units or tourism businesses that will not reopen this year either.
- At what prices will the tourist agents do the "bargaining".
- Which airlines will include Cyprus in their program?
- Which protocols will be applied in beaches, squares and public places.
- Whether the leisure centers (pubs, discotheques) will reopen and with what fullness.
- Which protocol will be applied in case of an outbreak in a tourist unit.
- How will the Police conduct checks on tourists in case of restrictive measures in the summer as well.
These and many more are the problems that cause headaches to entrepreneurs and employees in the tourism sector. However, since March 16 when the green light was given for the reopening of outdoor dining areas with eight people per table, the number of businesses in Ayia Napa and Protaras that have opened shutters is minimal. On the other hand, what everyone in free Famagusta is calling for is that there should be no more increase in cases, that people should follow the measures, so that our country is a safe destination in the summer, as another blow to the tourism industry. will be the gratuitous shot for the entire Cypriot economy.
Famagusta.News