Cyprus to have a new Tourism Ministry
Kourion, Cyprus
Cyprus Parliament on Tuesday passed a law establishing a junior ministry for tourism, scheduled to begin operation in January 2019. The government bill also provides for creating the position of an under-secretary to the president for tourism.
The bill will come into being from 2nd January 2019. In a statement, deputy government spokeswoman Klelia Vasiliou called it a ‘milestone for boosting the tourism sector, a key pillar of the Cypriot economy’.
The establishment of the ministry would lead to the implementation of a national strategy for tourism. It has been formulated over the last five years through consultations with all stakeholders.
“The strategy includes clear targets and timetables which will lead to the upgrading and promotion of our tourist product,” she said.
The new ministry will work to expedite the momentum in achieving significant results in medium and long term goals in matters related to tourism such as increase in inbound tourists, quality of services and solving seasonal problems.
However, the bill did not say anything about the role of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) – which has been carrying out the programmes related to tourism so far.
CTO is a semi-government organization under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The mission of the Organisation is the planning and development of the tourist product by using all possibilities and resources available, as well as the promotion of Cyprus as a tourist destination both in Cyprus and overseas.
A trade union representing workers at the CTO released a statement welcoming the creation of a ministry dedicated to tourism affairs. “We are certain that this decision shall give the organisation (CTO) the means necessary to evolve into a modern and stronger single agency for tourism, able to meet the requirements and expectations of the state,” it said.
As per the outcome of the discussions after the voting for the tourism bill, the government is intending to absorb the members of the CTO to the newly formed Tourism Ministry.
