Addressing Labour Shortages in Cyprus’s Tourism Sector
The Cypriot tourism sector, a cornerstone of the island’s economy, is facing a significant challenge as Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis highlighted the pressing need for foreign workers to address the growing labour shortages. Following an encouraging increase in tourist arrivals, Koumis pointed out the necessity of bolstering the workforce to sustain and enhance the industry’s growth.
During his recent visit to Protaras and Ayia Napa, Koumis observed a positive trend in tourism, with a notable 5 percent increase in quarterly results over the previous year. He praised the recent improvements made to beaches and services, which have contributed to the rise in visitors. However, he acknowledged that despite a preference for local employment in tourism, the reliance on foreign workers is evident from the numbers.
With tourist arrivals soaring from just over 4 million in 2016 to almost the same number in 2023, Koumis emphasized the critical role of foreign labour in the tourism sector. He stressed the importance of proper training for these workers to ensure that the quality of hospitality remains high. To this end, the government is collaborating with the educational sector to provide training for newcomers and specialized courses for students, exemplified by initiatives like the ‘Pausanias the Traveller 2024’ competition.
Koumis also highlighted efforts by the Ministry of Tourism to ensure another successful year for tourism. This includes leveraging opportunities from the Recovery and Resilience Fund and introducing incentive plans for specific geographical areas. These plans are intended to be utilized by local authorities to further upgrade the tourist product.
The Deputy Minister underscored the urgency of increasing competitiveness and destination attractiveness. In response to queries about adventure tourism, he acknowledged its global rise and potential benefits for Cyprus, suggesting areas like Cape Greco could be suitable for such developments, albeit with some considerations.
In conclusion, Koumis reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working tirelessly to upgrade the tourist product and harness every opportunity to ensure sustained growth in Cyprus’s tourism sector.
