The Board of Directors of the Famagusta Leisure Centre Owners Association
(S.I.K.A.A.) within the framework of the cycle of contacts it is conducting with the local government authorities of the free Famagusta District, held a meeting on Wednesday, April 4, 2025 with the President of the Famagusta Regional Administration, Mr. Yiannis Karousos.
The meeting was also attended by the Director of Licensing of the Famagusta Regional Development Authority, the Head of Urban Planning and the Head of Building Licensing. Among other things, issues related to the responsibilities of the Famagusta Regional Development Authority were discussed, such as the issuance of urban planning permits and building permits, the Urban Planning Amnesty Plan and the difficulties of its implementation in recreation centers, especially with regard to the cases of entrepreneurs who rent the spaces, water supply issues during the summer season, as well as other jurisdictions of the Regional Development Authority that directly or indirectly affect the operation of recreation centers in our province.
The President of the Famagusta Tourism Authority had the opportunity to be informed about the situation of Tourism in the Famagusta District, with emphasis on the major problem of the lack of workforce that our sector is facing. The members of the Board of Directors underlined the need to simplify the procedures for examining and approving permits from third countries and to take substantial and implementable measures on the part of the state to combat seasonality and extend the tourist season. Mr. Karousos, in turn, informed those present about the operation of the Famagusta Tourism Authority, the issues of water supply during the summer season and the situation that has developed with the reform of local government.
A common finding among all is that despite the fact that great strides have been made, there are still several problems that need to be resolved immediately, especially with regard to issues of procedures and implementation of policies. It was agreed that there is a need for closer cooperation between the state, local authorities and business organizations, with a more active involvement of the Association in policy-making processes on issues affecting the center sector.
recreation.
Finally, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Vasos Xydias, reiterated the full support of the S.I.K.A. in the efforts made by the Famagusta Regional Administrative Organization to improve the services provided to citizens.
The meeting took place within the framework of the dynamic restart that S.I.K.A. is attempting by conducting a series of contacts with local government authorities and other government, political and business bodies, which aims to upgrade the role that the Association is called upon to play, to establish it as a social partner in decision-making centers and to rally the
entrepreneurs in the sector to dynamically claim the rights and defend the interests of owners of recreation centers in the Famagusta District.
