The Cyprus Tourism Organization decided on Monday to put an end to the unlicensed constructions and illegal expansions in the hotel units of the island. The CTO in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is currently preparing a bill (“Hotel Amnesty”), which will be brought before the Council of Ministers next month.

Speaking to StockWatch, CTO Chairman, Fotis Fotiou said that the urban planning illegalities in the hotel industry are a serious problem. “So far, the CTO has registered 550 cases and I’m sure that there are a lot more that the Organization is not aware of. For this, we will submit our proposals to the government in June”, he stated.

The hotel amnesty will be accompanied by a fine, which will be based on two criteria: The time that the illegality took place and the extension of the illegality.

Mr. Fotiou also said that if the current legislation is enforced strictly, the island’s tourist industry will paralyze.

The hotel amnesty will be governed by the same philosophy and practice as the tax amnesty. The hoteliers that will correspond to the time framework that will be given – provided that they will state the illegalities of their units – will be treated with leniency. Those who will conceal their illegalities will be called to pay fines.

The CTO Chairman also said that the hoteliers’ Associations and the competent authorities will have the opportunity to promote the quality criteria, which will be completed soon.