Extending the validity of credit vouchers given to people who were forced to cancel trips abroad because of the pandemic for another six months was suggested on Tuesday by Disy MP Kyriacos Hadjiyiannis.

The proposal, which extends the vouchers until July 31, 2022, covers trips booked before the outbreak of the pandemic, which had to be cancelled later due to travel restrictions.

The total amount travel agents and tour operators would have returned to consumers before the end of the year through this scheme is estimated to be over €1m.

Hadjiyiannis said tour operators could not pay their obligations because of being closed for a long time.

The Disy MP expressed the hope that parties would approve an additional six months to avoid defaults, which would eventually be paid by consumers.

Diko MP Panicos Leonidou suggested that some tour operators had taken advantage of the matter so special attention was needed when the executive and the legislature afforded rights to private citizens.

“At the same time, we must protect consumers and the people trading with these organisations,” he said.

Leonidou said the vouchers were guaranteed by the state, which must provide MPs with input on how to proceed.

“Of course, we are in favour of affording incentives to tourist agents to advance their business, but they must also respect the people they trade with and consumers.”