A meeting was held on Friday chaired by Minister of Trade, Industry & Tourism Nicos Rolandis and attended by Ministers of Finance Takis Klerides, Health Frixos Savvides and Communications & Works Averof Neophytou, which considered extra support measures for tourism.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Rolandis stated that for October there was a reduction in tourist numbers by 10% and according to indications it is likely that this will also apply for the next year. In the light of this, the government is seeking ways to revert such a decrease and if possible to bring about an increase in the number of visitors.

According to a Cabinet decision, in addition to the Cyprus Tourist Organisation’s budget for promotion equalling CYP 13 million, another CYP 3.2 million will be made available for promotion of winter tourism and CYP 4 million for advertisements abroad.

In addition, the Cabinet, during its latest meeting, availed an additional CYP 5.5 million for a campaign aimed at tour operators. Total funds made available for support of the tourist industry total CYP 26 million, a sum considered satisfactory by the government in an effort to avert reduction of tourist arrivals.