Cyprus government announced on Monday the preparation of an action plan by the end of next week for the enforcement of the Strategic Plan in Tourism 2003-2010 with the adoption of strict timetables and infrastructure projects. The government will launch the post of ‘Supervisor’ who will supervise the development of each project and will determine the cost of each project if this is feasible.

Speaking after the conference held in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, which was attended by the CTO Chairman, Fotis Fotiou and more than 20 state services, Tourism Minister, Giorgos Lillikas explained that the timetables allow the programming of the budgets , so that these projects are included in the annual budgets.

Criticisms against former Tourism Minister

Mr. Lillikas said that the Strategic Plan was prepared and adopted in 2000 by the former Council of Ministers, but the relevant projects had not been adopted.

“Our study proved that although the philosophy and the approach of the Plan were correct, former government did not proceed to its adoption. There were no action plans”, Mr. Lillikas added.

Supervisor…

The government stressed the need for the adoption of a mechanism that will supervise each project. “We attempt to create not only a timetable but also a supervision mechanism, so that the Council of Ministers is well aware of the progress of each project”, the Minister said.

Religious tourism

Mr. Lillikas emphasized that the government has already started the planning for the construction of infrastructure projects that will enable the development of the religious tourism on the island. “Cyprus is rich in foundations and places that will attract religious tourism”, he said stressing the government will submit a complete program until 2010 for the “maintenance of churches that are historically important”.

As regards to the opening of a casino in the Republic, Mr. Lillikas said that this is a political issue for which government will set timetables in case this is adopted.