Tourist arrivals expected to increase, says Cyprus official

Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Antonis Paschalides said he is confident that, in the next few months, tourist arrivals and revenue from tourism will increase.
“There are positive signs about tourism from various countries. We simply cannot be complacent, we have to continue the effort which we have begun to attract more tourists, in line with our strategic planning”, he said.
Paschalides, who was speaking to journalists after a memorial service for clergy and laymen killed during the island’s rule under the Ottomans, said “we expect and hope that in the next three or four months tourist arrivals and revenue from tourism will increase”.
Asked to comment on problems the tourist industry is facing, Paschalides said such difficulties cannot help Cyprus’ image abroad and added: “Having said that, I must say that I am optimistic and believe in the responsible behaviour of everybody involved in the tourist industry and expect that at the end of the day the right decisions will be made”.
Replying to another question, the minister said that industrial action should obviously be avoided.
Hotel staff have announced a 24 hour warning strike on July 16, following a unanimous decision by their trade unions. The decision was taken following the deadlock the Ministry of Labour had declared in negotiations for the renewal of the collective agreements.