Cyprus tourism bodies oppose new law on recreational areas

The association of Cyprus tourist enterprises (Stek) and the hoteliers’ association (Pasyxe) on Thursday voiced strong opposition to a proposed law on the establishment and operation of recreational areas, warning it could create distortions in the market and damage the quality of the tourist experience in Cyprus.

The two associations said the proposal, discussed earlier this week by the House tourism committee, would do little to improve or upgrade the tourism product and instead risked undermining it.

In a joint statement, Stek and Pasyxe said the bill introduced what they described as an unnecessary and fragmented licensing framework, including a requirement for an additional operating licence for restaurants within hotel units, even though these are already covered by the existing institutional framework.

They said this would create overlapping responsibilities and lead to deregulation rather than rationalisation.

At the same time, the two associations said the proposal failed to take into account the nature and specific characteristics of different types of premises, while imposing horizontal regulations on operating hours without safeguards to prevent nuisance and noise pollution.

According to the statement, if adopted, these provisions could degrade the visitor experience and weigh on Cyprus’ image as a destination, particularly in areas where noise pressures and an overconcentration of activities are already being recorded.

“Cyprus tourism cannot be based on rough and fragmented regulations,” the associations said, adding that what is needed instead is “an integrated and coherent approach” that promotes quality, balanced development and an upgraded tourism product.

They added that such an approach should ensure visitors enjoy “an environment of tranquility, safety and high level of services.”

For that reason, Stek and Pasyxe called on parliament not to move ahead with the proposed law and to wait for the completion of the government’s broader initiative, so that a comprehensive and properly documented bill can be submitted.

They said such legislation should respond to the real needs of both the sector and society, stressing that “ensuring the quality of the tourism product and the visitor’s experience cannot be jeopardised.”