The contribution of Famagusta to the tourism industry of Cyprus has been historic, long-standing and strong, said the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, in statements after a meeting he held on Friday in Protaras with the Famagusta Board of Directors of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE).

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, issues that concern the hotel industry of the government-controlled area of Famagusta were discussed during the meeting. Specifically, issues related to the extension of the tourist season were discussed, as well as issues related to the lack of human resources, the need for more tourism promotion of the region abroad, the increased operating costs of hotel units and the need to strengthen connectivity with Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Furthermore, the problems of noise pollution and delinquent behaviour, mainly the use of four-wheeled motorcycles, as well as the the need to create new infrastructure projects were also discussed.

Koumis said in his statements that many hotel units in Protaras and Ayia Napa had close cooperation with the Russian and the Ukrainian markets that are currently facing problems, but, as he said, they have addressed this issue to a great extent.

The Deputy Minister stated that there was an exchange of views on lissues that concern the hotel industry, such as the lack of human resources, noise pollution as well as the need to extend the tourist season, for which, as he said, "a holistic approach is required".

The President of Famagusta's Hotel Association, Panayiotis Constantinou, on his part, welcomed the visit of the Deputy Minister of Tourism and stated that the meeting was very productive. They discussed and exchanged opinions on issues related to tourism and in particular the hotel industry in Famagusta district, he concluded.