Cyprus Implements "Ask for Angela" Program to Protect Tourists

At the "Protecting Cyprus’ Tourism Sector" conference in Limassol, TUI Group Senior Manager for Global Business Intelligence, Neil Barrett, spoke about how the company enhances safety in tourism and the risks that may affect clients. He placed special emphasis on the importance of early detection of dangerous situations and quick staff response.

The central topic of the presentation was the "Ask for Angela" program, which has been operating in Cyprus since May — in cooperation with the British High Commission and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

The initiative works as follows:

• Hotel and venue staff are specially trained to recognize vulnerable clients and respond appropriately;
• A guest feeling threatened or uncomfortable (for example, on a date or in a bar) can approach a staff member and use the code phrase "Ask for Angela";
• The trained staff member understands that the person needs help and acts discreetly: calls security, escorts them to a safe place, or helps them leave the venue without drawing attention.

Barrett noted that hotels participating in the pilot project in Cyprus gave positive feedback: the program improved staff readiness for unusual situations and enhanced the overall guest experience.

According to the TUI representative, the company focuses on prevention and creating a safe environment and aims to set an example in risk management in the tourism sector.