Ayia Napa mayor calls for calm to protect tourism sector

Ayia Napa can protect the stability and strength of its tourism sector despite the fallout from recent developments in the Middle East, provided there is planning, coordination and calm, mayor Christos Zannetou said.

Speaking to Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Zannetou said a meeting was held at Ayia Napa town hall on March 13 with representatives of tourism bodies from Cyprus and abroad to exchange views and coordinate action ahead of the 2026 summer season.

He said participants discussed both the outlook for the coming season and the challenges facing international tourism following the latest developments in the wider Middle East.

While the situation has caused understandable concern across the sector, Zannetou said Ayia Napa’s tourism product could remain steady with the right handling.

He added that tourism remains one of the most important pillars of both the local and national economy, making it essential to take immediate measures to safeguard jobs and support the viability of businesses.

Zannetou also stressed the importance of keeping hotels that are already open operating through the winter, saying this would help avoid sending the wrong message abroad that Cyprus is facing tourism-related difficulties.

At the same time, he called for meaningful support for workers and businesses in the sector to prevent layoffs, work suspensions and further pressure on the market.

Measures such as partial state coverage of wage costs and an extension of unemployment benefits where needed should be examined without delay, he said, so businesses and employees can return to normal activity as soon as possible.

He said the meeting confirmed a shared commitment among all those involved to pursue coordinated action aimed at ensuring the smooth progress of the tourist season, while maintaining service quality and visitor confidence.

Zannetou added that “a collective effort was needed not only to support Ayia Napa but also to improve the broader image of both the free Famagusta district and Cyprus.”

Otherwise, he warned, the impact would spread across the local economy and society.

“Our effort,” he said, “is to face this crisis with diligence, methodicality and love, supporting tourism, businesses and workers.”

He added that in periods of uncertainty, unity, cooperation and collective responsibility remain the strongest assets of the local community.

Zannetou also said that “Ayia Napa remains a leading Mediterranean destination, ready to offer visitors authentic experiences of hospitality, culture, nature and sea throughout the year.”