Based on the latest categorization of the ECDC and the ranking of Cyprus in the red category, it has a direct negative effect on the July bookings and we will probably be affected in August as well, stressed the Deputy Minister of Tourism Savvas Perdios on the show Mesimeri kai Kati.
Mr. Perdios said that Cyprus is the only country in the European Union that is in the red category and this is a huge issue for the tourism industry.
"The bet for the heart of summer has been lost"
The Undersecretary stated that things are very difficult for the heart of the summer, "bad lies we were all waiting for this moment and this setback will cost us dearly".
"Yes, it happened," but we do not stop working and see the next day, which is autumn.
He added that "if we bring the situation where it should be in the epidemiological and bring the vaccination coverage to the desired levels then we expect there to be movement in autumn and winter."
Asked about the National Plan for Tourism, the Undersecretary said that "Despite the pandemic, we have not stopped for a minute the implementation of the National Tourism Strategy plan, the positive thing about the pandemic is that it has been possible to accelerate the implementation of this of the plan ".
Incentives for vaccination through holiday grants
The deadline has been given until Friday for the tourism companies to join the Vacation Grant Scheme for people who have been vaccinated, the Deputy Minister pointed out.
He noted that the Plan will also include travel agencies so that one can combine his vacation with a visit to workshops or some other activities that will be included in the packages that will be announced.
How to make reservations
Savvas Perdios explained that the reservations will be made by contacting the beneficiary with the accommodation or the tourist office of his choice and will make the reservation.
The citizen does not need to make any contact with the Ministry of Tourism but will pay the reservation invoice and the price will be reduced by 35% due to the subsidy of the Ministry.
He notes that the accommodation or business will have to contact the State Department later to receive the grant.
The citizen will not have to do anything other than pay the reduced price without having to go through any bureaucracy.
Price per night is 80 euros
The ceiling of 80 euros per night is intended to benefit our fellow citizens who do not intend to vacation in hotels that cost 200 or 300 euros per night, as the purpose is to support mainly households that would not be able to they are on vacation.
He noted that 80 euros is the total price that the hotel or accommodation will receive while the citizen will pay 52 euros per night while noting that there is also provision for three nights of minimum stay.
There will be accommodations in all cities that will be included in the Plan
Mr. Perdios stated that interest has already been shown by many accommodations from all cities and all regions of Cyprus.
He clarified that there will be accommodation in the coastal, coastal cities but also inland and in the mountains that will be included in the grants.
Source: Economy Today