25/01/2017 09:27
Ways to further improve the Cyprus tourist product and the role of local authorities, were discussed at a Forum in Nicosia, organised by the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (ACTE) and the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB).
Addressing the forum, Minister of the Interior Socrates Hasikos said that the state proceeds in a decisive manner to the creation of those conditions that will bring further tourist development, which will really benefit the local communities and will be linked to other sustainable local economic activities, will respect the environment, be based on quality and create jobs with human working conditions for all.
He said that despite the unprecedented economic crisis in the past few years, Cyprus has "won the bet of growth thanks to the sacrifices of our people".
He also referred to the Ministry`s actions to minimize bureaucracy based on the «one stop shop».
As regards the Ministry`s scheme for Cypriot citizenship to foreign entrepreneurs/investors he said it has contributed to the recovery of the economy noting that since 2013 - when the government assumed office- it has brought in 3,3 billion euro.
President of OEB Christos Michaelides said that the tourist industry is an important field contributing greatly to the country`s economy, thus needing constantly new investments to become attractive and competitive.
He said that the economic crisis that hit Cyprus three years ago brought with it also positive results, such as innovation, which enriched its tourist product.
In his address, President of ACTE Akis Vavlitis said that the tourist product needs collective effort, adding that tourism must play a more important role in the economic policy of local administration, so that the level of tourist experience is improved. He added that 2017 is expected to be yet an other record year as regards tourist arrivals, as it was 2016.
Addressing the Forum through a televised message, Director of the Affiliate Members Programme of the World Tourism Organisation, Yolanda Perdomo, referred to the actions followed by the local authorities in cooperation with the WTO as regards the development of the tourist product.
The Forum was also addressed by tourist strategy specialist Eulogio Bordas, who said that it is important that local authorities focus on actions that give added value to the tourist product.
Three panel discussions followed with the participation of mayors, actors in the tourist sector and entrepreneurs, which demonstrated the challenges and problems of the island`s tourist areas. The participants discussed about possible solutions based on good practices from the municipalities of the Greek islands of Mykonos and Chios.
The conclusions of the Forum will be included in a report to be submitted to OEB and ACTE and all competent authorities of tourism so that to improve the tourist product in Cyprus through a wider cooperation between the state and private sector, the local administration and tourist partners.
Addressing the forum, Minister of the Interior Socrates Hasikos said that the state proceeds in a decisive manner to the creation of those conditions that will bring further tourist development, which will really benefit the local communities and will be linked to other sustainable local economic activities, will respect the environment, be based on quality and create jobs with human working conditions for all.
He said that despite the unprecedented economic crisis in the past few years, Cyprus has "won the bet of growth thanks to the sacrifices of our people".
He also referred to the Ministry`s actions to minimize bureaucracy based on the «one stop shop».
As regards the Ministry`s scheme for Cypriot citizenship to foreign entrepreneurs/investors he said it has contributed to the recovery of the economy noting that since 2013 - when the government assumed office- it has brought in 3,3 billion euro.
President of OEB Christos Michaelides said that the tourist industry is an important field contributing greatly to the country`s economy, thus needing constantly new investments to become attractive and competitive.
He said that the economic crisis that hit Cyprus three years ago brought with it also positive results, such as innovation, which enriched its tourist product.
In his address, President of ACTE Akis Vavlitis said that the tourist product needs collective effort, adding that tourism must play a more important role in the economic policy of local administration, so that the level of tourist experience is improved. He added that 2017 is expected to be yet an other record year as regards tourist arrivals, as it was 2016.
Addressing the Forum through a televised message, Director of the Affiliate Members Programme of the World Tourism Organisation, Yolanda Perdomo, referred to the actions followed by the local authorities in cooperation with the WTO as regards the development of the tourist product.
The Forum was also addressed by tourist strategy specialist Eulogio Bordas, who said that it is important that local authorities focus on actions that give added value to the tourist product.
Three panel discussions followed with the participation of mayors, actors in the tourist sector and entrepreneurs, which demonstrated the challenges and problems of the island`s tourist areas. The participants discussed about possible solutions based on good practices from the municipalities of the Greek islands of Mykonos and Chios.
The conclusions of the Forum will be included in a report to be submitted to OEB and ACTE and all competent authorities of tourism so that to improve the tourist product in Cyprus through a wider cooperation between the state and private sector, the local administration and tourist partners.