Hoteliers say Covid highlights need for tourism model review

After a difficult period for tourism, Cyprus is now more committed than ever to develop rural areas and increase the range of attractions for visitors, both local and foreign, according to the president of the Cyprus Hotel Association (Pasyxe) Haris Loizides.

In a statement released by Pasyxe to mark World Tourism Day, which is marked on September 27, Loizides said the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic highlights, among other things, the need to reassess Cyprus’ tourism growth model.

“This year’s World Tourism Day takes place under very special conditions because of the pandemic.

“The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) declared 2021 as the year of Tourism for Inclusive Growth, highlighting the importance of the tourism sector for economic prosperity and job creation, as well as bringing the world closer together.

“The current crisis must be seen as an opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and acknowledge that behind every figure, there is a person. To this end, the UNWTO calls upon its members, organisations, businesses, and individuals, to use the benefits of tourism, in order to make sure that no one is left behind, as the world prepares to enter the post-pandemic era,” Loizides said.

He also added that the tourism industry had a crucial role in restarting the economy and helping the country return to growth.

“Today, despite the severe blow to the tourism industry from the pandemic, Pasyxe is convinced that with the partnership of the state and the private sector, tourism will recover and that it will continue to help create the necessary conditions for long-term economic prosperity,” the statement concluded.