Mountain resorts in the Limassol province are experiencing a surge in the development of tourist accommodations and hotel facilities, as entrepreneurs pivot towards a different style of tourism.
Commandaria-producing communities such as Omodos, Platres, Pedoulas, Prodromos, Fini, and other villages in Limassol are witnessing new investment, with many individuals consciously opting to settle permanently in these locales, seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Despite the emergence of new developments, there appears to be a lack of adequate promotion for outdoor activities and alternative offerings available in these mountain resorts, officials say.
Christos Tsanos, president of the Hoteliers Association of Limassol (PASYXE), highlighted the pressing need for immediate action from both the Ministry of Tourism and various local authorities. “We believe in and love the mountains, and what we observe is that many people are now turning to the countryside in an effort to escape the congestion of cities,” Tsanos remarked. He stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to promote rural tourism throughout the year, not just during the winter season.
Tsanos further emphasised the necessity for collaboration between stakeholders to promote alternative tourism activities such as nature walks, cycling routes, and activities in rivers and waterfalls. “This campaign should be done by all of us and with the help of the Ministry of Tourism so that we do not close in dead months to receive subsidies,” he stated.
Staff shortages affecting development
In terms of hotel readiness for the upcoming tourist season, Tsanos noted that while hotels are prepared infrastructure-wise, there is a significant shortage of staff. He called for expedited procedures to address this issue promptly. “The problem with finding staff is increasing,” Tsanos remarked. “We need expedited procedures for people to come and work in the tourism industry.”
Tsanos also raised concerns regarding the difficulties around employing asylum seekers in the tourism sector, highlighting delays in the examination process for their applications. “This is a process that concerns us,” he added, stressing that seekers of international protection make up around 25% of the industry’s workforce.
“These people come to Cyprus, submit their application for approval, there is a delay in examination of about two years, and there are cases where they are asked to leave,” he concluded.