The Vice President of the Democratic Rally, Yiannis Karousos, called on the government to take substantial measures to support the border town of Tillyria yesterday, during his visit to the area.
Yannis Karousos discussed with citizens and listened to their concerns, with particular emphasis on the opening of a roadblock in the Kokkina area, as well as on the works that need to be carried out.
In his statement, he indicated that the government is not effectively supporting the region, pointing out that the recent announcements of the President of the Republic are without substance.
As he stated, "the projects that were announced will not increase tourist arrivals, will not help the local economy, nor will they support Cypriots, especially young people, to settle permanently in the area." With regard to entrepreneurship, he stressed that the President's announcements do not provide "any support or incentives for attracting investment or establishing businesses."
"Of the 20 million announced by the President, 10 million concern the construction of a sewage system, which is an obligation of the state. This service is necessary, but it will increase the cost of living in the area, as residents will bear the cost of its operation. Neither the vehicle charging stations, nor the bike paths, nor the vacation subsidy plan for low-income pensioners will bring results," he added.
The Vice President of DISY indicated that "what is needed is to look at serious issues, such as the establishment of a university school, the provision of effective incentives for tourists from abroad - and not only for domestic tourism, which has been implemented for years - and certainly the provision of significant incentives for permanent settlement in the region, both for Cypriots and for businesses."
He called on the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, "if he really wants to help the region," to announce an incentive plan for foreign tour operators, which would concern the Pyrgos of Tillyria and to implement the tourism strategy approved during the government of Nicos Anastasiades, "as there is a special reference to the Pyrgos region." He finally called on the Deputy Minister to sponsor the holding of major cultural events and the upgrading of the region's tourism businesses.
