sexual harassment — The Ayia Napa Municipality has declared a policy of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, following shocking revelations from a Channel 4 undercover investigation. Mayor Christos Zannettou condemned the “illegal and unacceptable” practices depicted in the documentary, which featured disturbing accounts of exploitation faced by young British workers in the resort.
In the documentary titled Untold: Undercover Working Holidays, a predatory atmosphere was showcased, highlighting instances of sexual abuse, poor living conditions, and coercive labour practices. Zannettou insisted that these findings represent only “isolated incidents” and do not reflect the overall image of Ayia Napa as a tourist destination. He asserted that the town operates with respect for human rights and the dignity of the hundreds of thousands of visitors and employees it hosts each year.
The footage revealed nightclub managers demanding sexual favours from undercover reporter Tir Dhondy in exchange for employment opportunities. One manager was filmed suggesting a “blowjob rule” to bypass unpaid trial shifts, while another boasted about exposing more than one hundred female workers to similar predicaments.
In response to the investigation, the municipality has taken steps to protect its reputation. It has sent formal correspondence to “all relevant ministries” and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, with Mayor Zannettou confirming his discussions with the Minister of Justice and Public Order, as well as the Chief of Police. These conversations aim to coordinate an investigation and ensure accountability for those involved.
The local government’s intervention comes amid increasing pressure from various organisations. The POGO Women’s Movement has described the situation as a regime of “modern slavery with a clear gender dimension” and has urged the Chief of Police to launch an immediate investigation into the systemic failures that allowed such abuses to occur.
Moreover, the trade union PEO has raised alarms regarding evidence in the documentary that suggests the presence of “human trafficking mechanisms”. They have called on the Ministry of Labour to clarify the lack of oversight concerning employment permits for foreign nationals. The union emphasises that the government must finally address the vulnerabilities of seasonal workers and reassess the criteria for granting work approvals.
As Ayia Napa grapples with these revelations, the municipal authorities are under pressure to act decisively. The commitment to a zero-tolerance policy may be a crucial step towards restoring confidence in the safety and integrity of the resort for both workers and tourists alike.
