NICOSIA - Commerce, Industry and Minister Tourism Neoklis Sylikiotis has said that all necessary measures are taken collectively so that the tourist sector overcomes its problems.

Speaking after a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE), with the participation of a Cyprus Tourism Organization delegation, Sylikiotis noted that tourism is one of the fundamental priorities of his ministry.

He said that actions are taken with a view to increase Cyprus’ air connections and simplify visa procedures.

He noted that he informed the Cyprus Hotel Association about decisions taken recently towards this direction, adding that tourism is a sector, which requires vigilance.

The minister said that some measures have been taken as regards financial motives for hotel unites and that projects which include the construction of marinas and golf courses are already underway.

Asked about the countries with which air connections will be reinforced, Sylikiots said that these are countries of Eastern Europe and of the Eastern Mediterranean region, adding that these are new destinations.

Regarding the Canadian group Triple Five which has expressed interest in participating in Cyprus Airways share capital, and the Chairman of which has held contacts with the President of the Republic and other high ranking officials, Sylikiotis said that Cyprus Tourism Organization is in contact with Triple Five to discuss the ways in which the group’s interest can be implemented as regards the tourist sector.

PASYXE Chairman Haris Loizides said that the Association is satisfied with recent developments aiming to revive the tourist sector, noting that the two major issues are competitiveness and seasonality.

“Once we are able to address them effectively I believe that we will halt unemployment, promote development and create more jobs,” he added.

Cyprus Tourism Organization Chairman Alekos Orountiotis said that Triple Five officials have already met with a representative of the organization in New York and that this was followed by a meeting of the two sides in Nicosia.

Orountiotis said that CTO representative in New York will visit the biggest mall in the US which belongs to Triple Five in an effort to find ways of projecting and promoting Cyprus as a tourist destination at the company’s malls. He added that officials of the company will also visit Cyprus very soon.