Ayia Napa: 30% of small businesses closed or changed hands

Ayia Napa's small businesses are in dire financial straits, with 30% of their stores closed or their hands changed over the past two years.

Speaking at the Morning Edition of Astra on behalf of POVEK Ayia Napa, Maria Hadjichristou stressed that the loss of the Russian and Ukrainian markets was not covered. He even wondered when the many tourists, to whom the authorities refer, will come, from where, and how the damage will be covered.

Ms. Hadjichristou pointed out that the fact that a cruise ship came to Ayia Napa does not mean that the hotels were opened and the small businesses were working. He once again raised the issue of rents, saying that this is the third year they are asking for support from the state. He also said that the cost of transporting their goods has increased by 300%.

For his part, the Secretary of POVEK Larnaca Kyriakos Ambizas noted that although several companies were closed there, things are better. As the local population said, it helps small businesses.
However, Mr. Ambizas said that many businesses housed in the center of Larnaca were moved to the mall. He added that these stores remain unused and the image of abandonment is created.