Oxygen for the economy of Cyprus and especially of the free region of Famagusta, characterized the liberalization of flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Larnaca airport, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Giannis Karousos, calling on the CTO to mobilize in order to remove any flights.
As he stated, "thanks to the coordinated actions of the government, a firm and fair request of the oppressed decision-making province of Famagusta was satisfied". The blockade of Larnaca airport for winter charter flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg, which was the most important obstacle to the extension of the tourist season in the province of Famagusta, no longer exists, he noted.
He added that the liberalization of flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg "is initially expected to bring to Cyprus more than 60.000 Russian tourists and gradually and in the long run will reach up to 200.000. "Several travel agents have already expressed interest and are waiting for the competent bodies, the Ministry and the Cyprus Tourism Organization, to ensure that the relevant incentives given by the CTO to tourism companies are granted."
Mr. Karousos also said that "the need for the rapid response of the CTO is urgent in order to overcome any obstacles for the start of winter flights. "The window of opportunity that exists today, especially due to geopolitical developments in neighboring and competing countries, such as Egypt, Syria and Turkey, must not be lost."
He also stated that "the CTO must act immediately so as not to waste so many years of efforts to extend the tourist season, a fact that will only have positive results for Cyprus and especially for the free province of Famagusta."