Tourist arrivals in the occupied territories have showed an impressive increase in the past three years. This increase is estimated to have reached 50%, while tourists’ visits in the occupied north have recorded an increase of 12%. According to PASYXE data submitted to the House Commerce Committee, 4% of the tourists that arrive in the free areas, visit the occupied territories and stay overnight. “What is the government’s official policy on the interest that tour operators show?” PASYXE Chairman, Haris Loizides wondered.

“In the next twelve - twenty four months, the number of beds in the occupied areas will increase from 11 thousand to 27 thousand. New hotel investments will be made by foreign capital ”, PASYXE General Manager noted.

As for the construction boom in the north, Land Register Manager, Andreas Christodoulou reiterated that the only transfers that have been carried out in the occupied areas are among the G/C.

Meanwhile, representative of the Cyprus Bankers Employers Association, Michael Kamas denied allegations that banks forced their debtors to sell their properties in the north so as to pay their debts. Besides, Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, Lefteris Christoforou said that big Israeli and German developers have expressed their interest for the T/C areas.

The illegal construction activity and tourist development in the occupied territories, as well as the repercussions and the measures that have to be taken to tackle this phenomenon will be discussed at the secret session of the House Commerce Committee, after the Foreign Ministry and the Legal Service give confidential data.