05/02/2003 07:52
In a meeting held on Tuesday and chaired by the Commerce Minister, Nicos Rolandis, the Commerce Ministry, KEVE, OEB, PASYKSE, Cyprus Airways and other tourism industry representatives have decided to submit proposals over the imminent American intervention in Iraq to minimize its negative impact on Cyprus economy next Friday. Meanwhile, Commerce Minister, Nicos Rolandis, has expressed his concerns with regard to the crisis in hotel industry; “The possible war in Iraq along with the crisis in hotel industry will make the situation even worse”.
Mr. Rolandis said that he would inform the Cabinet over the issue, although it is already aware of it. “The government is to decide over the measures it is to take at the outbreak of the war. We will try to ward off dangers, but we will be definitely affected by it”, he said.
Mr. Rolandis said that the duration of war is of great importance for the island, stressing that the magnitude of the impact cannot be calculated and expressing hopes that Cyprus will recover quickly, as it did after the Gulf War in 1991.
The Minister also referred to his recent visit to London where he had contacts with the biggest travel agencies. “The statements of UN Inspector for Iraq’s arsenal, Hans Blix, in Cyprus, the presence of the British fleet off the coast of Akrotiri, as well as the fact that Cyprus is occasionally asked to provide political facilities affect the island’ tourism in great extent”.
On the question whether these facilities provided by Cyprus will be a boomerang for Cyprus economy, the Minister pointed out that facilities are necessary – and sometimes inevitable – for political reasons.
“Most travel agencies have requested, however, that Cyprus must avoid its interference with the war in Iraq”, said the Commerce Minister.
Meanwhile, many neighbouring countries have proceeded to price cuts. “According to latest data, four-star hotels in Egypt offer half-board stay against 12 dollars per day”, he concluded.
Mr. Rolandis said that he would inform the Cabinet over the issue, although it is already aware of it. “The government is to decide over the measures it is to take at the outbreak of the war. We will try to ward off dangers, but we will be definitely affected by it”, he said.
Mr. Rolandis said that the duration of war is of great importance for the island, stressing that the magnitude of the impact cannot be calculated and expressing hopes that Cyprus will recover quickly, as it did after the Gulf War in 1991.
The Minister also referred to his recent visit to London where he had contacts with the biggest travel agencies. “The statements of UN Inspector for Iraq’s arsenal, Hans Blix, in Cyprus, the presence of the British fleet off the coast of Akrotiri, as well as the fact that Cyprus is occasionally asked to provide political facilities affect the island’ tourism in great extent”.
On the question whether these facilities provided by Cyprus will be a boomerang for Cyprus economy, the Minister pointed out that facilities are necessary – and sometimes inevitable – for political reasons.
“Most travel agencies have requested, however, that Cyprus must avoid its interference with the war in Iraq”, said the Commerce Minister.
Meanwhile, many neighbouring countries have proceeded to price cuts. “According to latest data, four-star hotels in Egypt offer half-board stay against 12 dollars per day”, he concluded.
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