cyprus tourism — cyprus tourism — Cyprus could redirect funds from its Thalia 2021-2027 programme to support tourism businesses affected by the conflict in the Gulf and ongoing instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to the European Commission.
This announcement came after Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela raised concerns in a parliamentary question about the impact of the regional crisis on tourism. He highlighted that the situation has already led to booking cancellations, reduced demand, and growing uncertainty within the sector.
Cyprus tourism: Potential Impact on the Tourism Sector
Hadjipantela expressed that the disruption is placing significant pressure on hotels and smaller tourism businesses, threatening a vital sector of the Cypriot economy. He urged the European Commission to assess whether existing funding instruments could be activated and if EU state aid rules could be made more flexible to assist affected companies.
Support from the European Commission
In response to these concerns, the European Commission confirmed that Cyprus could utilise resources from the Thalia programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in tourism. The Commission indicated that funding could be reallocated through an amendment to the programme, with discussions already underway with relevant government departments.
Urgency for Action
Hadjipantela described the Commission’s response as a significant step forward, affirming that European options exist to provide necessary support to the tourism sector. He urged the Cypriot government to act swiftly to amend the programme, ensuring that available funds are directed towards businesses impacted by the crisis.
“We must not allow available funds from the Thalia programme to remain unused,” he stated, emphasising the importance of timely intervention for protecting jobs and maintaining the competitiveness of the tourism industry.
The Call for Timeliness
In closing, Hadjipantela stressed that tourism companies should not bear the financial burden of an international geopolitical crisis alone. “Timely intervention is crucial for protecting employment, the viability of small and medium-sized enterprises and maintaining the competitiveness of Cypriot tourism,” he concluded.
