The platform was set up at the initiative of the Cyprus Tourism Organization in co-operation with the United Kingdom High Commission in Cyprus since March "in a coordinated effort to further improve Cyprus' already very good position on tourist safety", according to a statement. ΚΟΤ.
"Cyprus is ranked 27th in terms of security by 140 countries compared in the evaluation of the World Economic Forum for 2013", it is added.
The results of the effort have already been welcomed by British officials on a diplomatic mission to Cyprus, with Regional Consular Officer William Middleton saying that despite the 16% increase in British visitors to Cyprus so far this year, the UNHCR cases for consular assistance, according to a statement from the UNHCR.
For her part, Deputy High Commissioner Linda Burns said: "I am pleased that our partners have achieved so much in such a short period of time and look forward to our continued cooperation in this important area."
Amendment of the legislation with a limit of 9 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath for young riders, professional riders, motorcyclists and cyclists, ambulance offer from the Ministry of Health in the center of Ayia Napa on a 24-hour basis during the summer months with sponsorship of training , changing the age limit for alcohol consumption from 17 to 18 and stricter guidelines for the right to sell alcohol were among the actions implemented in 2015 by the groups for access to alcohol, road safety and health.
In relation to the safety of beaches and bathers, the CTO provided grants to local authorities for, inter alia, the access of disabled people to beaches, lifeguard towers, signage, lifeguard equipment, cleaning machines, trash cans, lifeguard equipment, and lifeguard and the groups were financially supported to carry out prevention campaigns, including the issuance of a triptych on safe swimming.
In the meantime, the security issues of the tourists in relation to the thefts and harassments occupied a working group of the platform. The actions implemented include the production of a code of conduct for tourist safety issues by the CTO, limitation of the area of Ayia Napa Square for easier control and patrols, offering an application on smart phones by the user-friendly police with the possibility of announcements on safety issues. Police also issued triptychs in English with advice on protecting tourists from theft and combating attacks on women.
In terms of transport issues, a guide for taxi services in Cyprus was published in English, from September 22 the free use of public transport was allowed, while a list of good taxi drivers was released by the CTO.
As part of the international cooperation, a meeting was held with representatives of foreign Embassies in Cyprus at the end of June.
Source: KYPE