Coronavirus: Despite relaxations, Ayia Napa eateries only expected to open mid May

Most eateries and bars in Ayia Napa and Protaras are expected to reopen in mid-May with the arrival of the first summer tourists, their spokesman told the Cyprus News Agency on Friday.

Petros Ashias, president of the Association of Recreation Centres of Famagusta (Sika), said most restaurants and other venues will remain closed for now because the area relies on tourism.

Under the latest decree to contain the spread of coronavirus, the health ministry this week allowed restaurants, bars and cafés to operate, but only outdoors, with a closing time of 10.45 pm. Ashias said that a few venues have opened in Ayia Napa, while more are in operation in Paralimni.

He said it was hoped that by mid-May the majority would be ready to open and to welcome the first tourists from the UK, as well as Cypriot holidaymakers.

While expressing confidence in the vaccination programme, he suggested that special attention be paid to front line workers in the hospitality sector so as not to create problems for tourism.

He also highlighted the problem businesses face with paying rent, noting that although the government has given grants to cover operating expenses, the sums could not cover rents.

Some landlords had been proactive, cutting rents so as to facilitate their tenants, but others have not. “Some people saw it as an opportunity to exploit the fact that the government did not regulate the issue of rents, and as a result some tenants have problems operating this year,” he said.

Rents in the free Famagusta area have been very high for years, but there were no problems as everything was operating. “Now the state, including the House, did not understand what we had asked for, that is for both the owner of the premises and the businessman operating it, to share the cost and the loss,” he said.

Tourists do not want just sun and sea but different experiences and inter-personal relations. “It is those working on the front line of the tourism sector who bring tourists back to Cyprus with the service, the politeness and their good nature,” he said.

This year’s tourism prospects are promising as the messages from tour operators is that people were keen on travelling abroad for their holidays, he concluded.