The Cyprus Tourist Organization and the Commerce Ministry expressed their concerns on Tuesday on the increases in the ports and airports duties. Commerce Minister, Giorgos Lillikas stated that any possible increases will be imperceptible and stressed that this measure was inevitable and tourist agents were aware of that a year now.
Speaking at a Press Conference on the Strategic Plan for Tourism (2003 – 2010), Mr. Lillikas said that the state must increase its revenues to deal with the excessively high fiscal deficit. “The Council of Ministers has postponed the payment of duties in airports twice and this has cost millions of pounds to the state. Having taken into account the scheduled flights and the course of tourism for this year, this measure will not affect tourist arrivals”, Mr. Lillikas noted.
Mr. Lillikas also expressed his optimism on the prospects of tourist arrivals, despite the fact tourist revenues have dropped. “Reservations until September are satisfactory”, he said.
As for the adoption of the CTO Strategic Plan for Tourism (2003 – 2010), the Minister said that he is satisfied with the reciprocation of the public sector but expressed his reservations on the reciprocation of the Local Authorities and the private sector.
Transportation costs
With regard to the problems that tourists face on their arrival to Cyprus, Mr. Lillikas referred to the high cost of transportation and suggested the launch of a mini bus company by the taxi drivers that would enable the reduction of transportation costs.
Local Authorities
Mr. Lillikas also criticized the Local Authorities of the seaside areas for their unwillingness to eliminate violations and irregularities that offend the Cyprus culture, tradition and aesthetic and warned that the government will not support them financially if they do not comply with the Cyprus legislation.
Casino
After the completion of his contacts with the political parties, Mr. Lillikas said that the Ministry will submit a proposal before the Council of Ministers for the conduct of two surveys: The first will include a comparative analysis of the advantages and the disadvantages of all casinos operating in Europe, as well as the legislative framework, while the second will analyze the risks and repercussion for the Cyprus society.
The surveys will be submitted to the political parties for a new round of talks and the decision will be taken collectively.
Golf
The relevant proposal for the launch of golf courts will be submitted in two weeks. The proposals will determine the quality criteria and conditions that will encourage private investments. The government aims at the operation of 14 golf courts to all areas.
Speaking at a Press Conference on the Strategic Plan for Tourism (2003 – 2010), Mr. Lillikas said that the state must increase its revenues to deal with the excessively high fiscal deficit. “The Council of Ministers has postponed the payment of duties in airports twice and this has cost millions of pounds to the state. Having taken into account the scheduled flights and the course of tourism for this year, this measure will not affect tourist arrivals”, Mr. Lillikas noted.
Mr. Lillikas also expressed his optimism on the prospects of tourist arrivals, despite the fact tourist revenues have dropped. “Reservations until September are satisfactory”, he said.
As for the adoption of the CTO Strategic Plan for Tourism (2003 – 2010), the Minister said that he is satisfied with the reciprocation of the public sector but expressed his reservations on the reciprocation of the Local Authorities and the private sector.
Transportation costs
With regard to the problems that tourists face on their arrival to Cyprus, Mr. Lillikas referred to the high cost of transportation and suggested the launch of a mini bus company by the taxi drivers that would enable the reduction of transportation costs.
Local Authorities
Mr. Lillikas also criticized the Local Authorities of the seaside areas for their unwillingness to eliminate violations and irregularities that offend the Cyprus culture, tradition and aesthetic and warned that the government will not support them financially if they do not comply with the Cyprus legislation.
Casino
After the completion of his contacts with the political parties, Mr. Lillikas said that the Ministry will submit a proposal before the Council of Ministers for the conduct of two surveys: The first will include a comparative analysis of the advantages and the disadvantages of all casinos operating in Europe, as well as the legislative framework, while the second will analyze the risks and repercussion for the Cyprus society.
The surveys will be submitted to the political parties for a new round of talks and the decision will be taken collectively.
Golf
The relevant proposal for the launch of golf courts will be submitted in two weeks. The proposals will determine the quality criteria and conditions that will encourage private investments. The government aims at the operation of 14 golf courts to all areas.
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