Interview on Sunday
The President of the Pancyprian Hoteliers Association of the Famagusta Province, Doros Takkas, described his feelings about the situation in which the tourist resorts of free Famagusta, Agia Napa and Protaras, have fallen to "Simerini" on Sunday. He also pointed out the need to redefine the tourism product of our country, since, as he mentioned, the way in which tourists choose their travels will change, while he did not fail to emphasize that specific steps should be taken to attract tourism against this year. Read the interview he gave to Marinos Pavlikas.
Liquidity problem
What are your feelings this year, seeing the province of Famagusta be empty in mid-July and reminiscent of images more than four decades ago?
It is really heartbreaking to see the picture that prevails in Ayia Napa and Protaras at this time, that is, that there is no tourism on the streets at all, especially on weekdays. And, indeed, it brings to mind images of the past and 1974, before there is still tourism in Ayia Napa or Protaras.
We have seen significant and generous investment in infrastructure in recent years, especially in hotel units. There are even many hoteliers who are already in the process of building or renovating their tourist units. Do you think that this year will be decisive in negatively affecting the industry and finding some entrepreneurs at a dead end?
Indeed, the biggest investment in tourism has been made by hoteliers. Whether it's new hotels or renovations. These investments, however, are not limited to one year. Investments have been made in the coming years. So, from this point of view, yes, we have a problem with liquidity and fulfillment of our obligations, but we did not expect to depreciate these investments in a single year. I also think that if this crisis is limited to one year, it will be easily overcome, and if it continues for the next two or three years, then yes, it may be disastrous for some professionals in the industry.
We did not act precautionarily
What is your opinion on how to assess and handle this year's pandemic situation that has hit tourism?
We have to admit that we are experiencing an extremely difficult situation, without being able to say for sure if our estimates were initially correct or if there was indeed a delay in acting in the right direction. This will be seen in the long run. What I'm sure of is that we didn't act precautionarily. This means that we should all make our plans on paper for the next day. We should have been prepared for the next day, even if we did not know in advance the conditions of the pandemic or how it would develop. We should be prepared and the right preparation should be based on evaluation and analysis of the current situation, proceeding with plans from the first to the last moment.
Our plans should be focused on where we could get tourism for 2020 and under what conditions. We should draw up a plan that would include three stages: The first stage would be an intergovernmental agreement. We should have signed a memorandum with the countries that traditionally feed us with tourism, but also with other countries, which, potentially, would supply us with tourism. With this memorandum, it would be clear how one country would assess the epidemiological data of the other, but also the facilities that would be given to the travel of tourists. Next, we would have to proceed with a specific plan for approaching and dealing with travel agents and airlines, but, above all, travel agents, who would promote Cyprus as a safe tourist destination. And we could do that by reducing risk and reducing the risk of damage. And, in the third phase, the hoteliers and I should have provided the necessary commitments to the Ministry of Tourism, in order to make the tourist packages more affordable.
We all need to understand that we are experiencing an unprecedented situation and that such situations need to be addressed. It is certainly not possible to use the same tools we have used to date to attract tourism, especially this year.
Connectivity is a big problem
How big is the connectivity of flights?
It is the biggest problem in Cyprus. And we are not only talking about whether there is connectivity, but also the cost of this connectivity. We must ensure, as far as possible, connectivity and affordable and reasonable prices. And while distance and fuel costs cannot be changed, we need to study other ways, such as using the old airport for cheaper airlines to reduce airport tax costs.
Need for reassessment and infrastructure
Do you think that this year is an opportunity to re-evaluate the offered tourist product and to make radical changes?
It is a fact that every crisis is an opportunity. However, if we have to re-evaluate something in our country, this should not be a crisis to do so. Such as, for example, our dependence on the sun and the sea or on specific markets, or the expansion of the season, to the point where we could reach up to twelve months of operation. But all of this, in order to be done, needs infrastructure. When we try to attract tourists outside of the peak months, then we must have the appropriate infrastructure to attract tourists of different types of tourism. What we need to do year after year is to listen, monitor, adapt and be ready for new tourism trends.
Do you think that in the coming years we will see a change in the way every tourist travels?
I am convinced that tourism will change, but many elements of the corona protocol will follow us in the coming years. At the same time, I am more convinced that tourism will not only not be lost, but will return more severely, as it is now a necessity or a new kind of lifestyle for many. Tourism will change, but with it, we have to change as we adapt.
What are your estimates for 2021 and 2022?
2021 will definitely be better than 2020! It would still be a bit risky to talk in numbers, but if I were to say that in 2021 it will be around 60% of 2019, we would consider this a good performance. In 2022 it is expected to rise to maybe 80% of 2019 and in 2023 to return, slowly, to the numbers of 2019 and, now, after we get there, we will be able to see the future of our tourism.
Source: TODAY Sunday (5/7/2020) / Interview with Marinos Pavlikas.