The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed its concerns on the tax drivers’ intention to stage a 24-hour strike on Tuesday.

The CCCI concerns became bigger after the urban taxi drivers’ announcement that they will block the access to and from the ports and airports for 15 minutes because “the small tourist buses ‘steal’ their customers”.

In its announcement, the Chamber emphasized that the strikes will hit the island’s tourist product in a difficult period for tourism.

“Due to the economic crisis, this year is not suitable for such actions that undermine the tourist industry of Cyprus.

The CCCI urged all urban taxi drivers to solve their problems with consultations.

“In this tough period, we all have to show responsibility and secure the tourist repute of our country”, the announcement added.

Yesterday, Transport Minister, Nicos Nicolaides expressed the hope that the professional taxi drivers will not go on a strike because this will be inconvenient for the Cypriot and non-Cypriot travelers.

Invited to comment on the strike, the Minister said that he has a meeting with representatives of the sector few days ago and he is aware of the problems that they face. “Their problems, which have resulted from the new EU regulations, are understandable” he concluded.