President of the Republic, Demetris Christofias signed on Monday two agreements of total €6 million with Hermes Airport Chairman, Nicos Shacolas for the further strengthening of the tourist product.

In his statements after the meeting, Government Spokesman, Stephanos Stephanou said that the meeting focused exclusively on the achievement of two agreements between the government and Hermes Airport.

The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in the presence of the Mayor of Ppahos, Savvas Vergas and the Chairman of Paphos CCI, Giorgos Leptos.

“The first agreement concerns the contribution of the government together with the contribution of Hermes Airport of €12.5 million from each side for every customer from a new country and a new airport arrives, while the second concerns the government’s contribution with €4 per tourist that visits the island”, Mr. Stephanou said.

As for the Paphos Airport, “an agreement has already been reached with Ryan Air for the transfer of 200 thousand more tourists in Cyprus and the prospect of increasing this number to 400 thousand in a few years”.

“At the current stage, the total expenditure will reach €6 million and the aim is to support further the island’s tourism, growth and economy”, Mr. Stephanou said.

“The two agreements provide an incentive to other airlines too if they wish to be benefited and sign an agreement with the government”, he concluded.