The Consumer Protection Service (CPS) has officially named EFI Strakottou Travel & Tours Limited as the travel agency under investigation for insolvency, following a week filled with consumer complaints and speculation.
- For further assistance, travellers can reach out to ACTTA via telephone at 22666435. The CPS has also advised against making any new payments to EFI Strakottou Travel & Tours Limited.
- As of the latest reports, 147 complaints had been received by the Cyprus Consumers Association, highlighting the widespread concern among travellers regarding this agency's practices.
As the authority enforcing the Law on Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements of 2017, the CPS noted that EFI Strakottou is deemed unable to fulfil its contractual obligations to customers. This situation arises when a travel organiser cannot provide all or part of the services promised in a package travel contract.
In light of these developments, the CPS is urging affected travellers who have entered into package agreements with the agency and have not received, or do not expect to receive, the services they paid for, to submit claims to the Association of Cyprus Travel & Tourism Agents (ACTTA) by October 24, 2025. Claims must be accompanied by relevant documentation submitted through the designated online form found on ACTTA’s website.
For further assistance, travellers can reach out to ACTTA via telephone at 22666435. The CPS has also advised against making any new payments to EFI Strakottou Travel & Tours Limited.
This investigation follows a wave of complaints aimed at the agency, where customers reported challenges in obtaining refunds for trips they had booked but which were not fulfilled. CPS director Constantinos Karagiorgis spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), highlighting that the investigation involves examining the impact on consumers who are left vulnerable and the associated guarantees.
Karagiorgis stated, “The case of the travel agency regarding organised trips, which appears unable to fulfil its obligations, is being examined by the service in accordance with the relevant provisions of the legislation.” He assured that all available data is being reviewed to safeguard consumer interests.
In collaboration with ACTTA, the CPS is working to activate consumer protection mechanisms in cases of insolvency. The Cyprus Consumers Association, which previously noted a surge in complaints, has issued guidance but did not identify the agency until the CPS’s announcement. They reminded consumers of their rights under Cypriot law, which mandates that travel organisers must secure a guarantee covering the total amount paid by customers for undelivered services.
According to the association, if a travel organiser defaults, the guarantee is activated promptly upon a traveller’s request, allowing for compensation to those who did not receive their paid services. They also clarified that not all travel agencies are classified as organisers, with complaints specifically involving organised trips to various destinations.
As of the latest reports, 147 complaints had been received by the Cyprus Consumers Association, highlighting the widespread concern among travellers regarding this agency’s practices.
