Cypriot hoteliers and restaurateurs complained about a lack of visitors and staff

The hotel and restaurant sector of the Republic of Cyprus is facing low attendance and a shortage of staff. The attendance of catering establishments and tourist accommodation facilities across the country is currently fluctuating at around 30%.

According to the head of the Hotel Owners Association (Osika), Neophytos Trasivulu, low attendance makes January one of the most challenging months for both the food and hotel industries. The situation is exacerbated by the labor shortage.

"The shortage of staff in entertainment centers concerns the catering sector in the run-up to the start of the tourist season," the association head told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

In the expert's opinion, the government needs to significantly change its policy regarding the employment of foreigners from third countries, "as they leave Cyprus and go to other European countries experiencing a labor shortage."

"After January 6, the tourist flow declined," noted Osika, adding that many businesses were forced to close at this stage.

Industry experts hope that the situation will improve in February due to Valentine's Day, and from March onwards, the number of tourists will start to increase again.