The Pancyprian Federation of Leisure Center Owners Associations (OSIKA) is escalating the measures with dynamic mobilizations tomorrow, initially in the free area of Famagusta - in Ayia Napa and in Paralimni, while it does not rule out that the protests will extend to the rest of the country. - Θρασυβούλου.
In his statements to KYPE, Mr. Thrasyvoulou expressed disappointment about the epidemiological situation, noting that not until May 15 will most of the recreation centers be able to reopen. The companies, he continued, which are completely dependent on tourism, are going through the worst period, noting that as a Federation they support the protests that will take place tomorrow in Ayia Napa and Paralimni.
We believe, he said, that if this situation continues, "with the lack of support measures, the other provinces will also go to protests".
He also said that a year after the start of the pandemic, and despite their calls and warnings, the tourism industry and their small and medium-sized businesses in the purely touristy areas of Ayia Napa and Protaras were left to their own devices, pandemic and unprecedented economic consequences. He also pointed out that since November 2019, the tourist businesses in Ayia Napa and Protaras remained closed and that those that reopened in their vast majority had zero turnover and income.
In addition, he appealed to the Minister of Finance to reconsider the measures to support businesses, which are completely dependent on tourism, because they will neither be able to survive nor to reopen.
Asked about the problems they face, Mr. Thrasyvoulou referred to the issues of rent, support measures, either with loan guarantees or with the suspension of repayment of installments, noting, however, that the government should provide direct support to small and medium enterprises and not through banks, as he said.
As he explained, no business can secure any benefit through the banks.
The protests, said the president of OSIKA, will take place at 10:00 tomorrow in the parking lot in the port of Ayia Napa, and at 10:30 in the parking lot Zappeion in Paralimni.
