In difficulty of finding staff, referred to the president of the Paphos Hoteliers Association Thanos Michaelides expressing his concern and adding that "time is running out and we have no solution".
In a statement to the Cyprus News Agency, Mr. Michaelides said that the problem with the lack of staff remains unsolved, while expressing his concern because we are one and a half month before the start of the summer season and as the timeframe gets tighter then it will be more difficult to find suitable staff to come to Cyprus in time.
Last year the staffing issue was addressed, as he explained, occupancy rates were low and the months with high occupancy rates were no more than three. Now, however, he observed, when the tourist season will start normally, it is impossible for them to cope and provide the services they have to provide to their customers.
On this issue, he continued, the Hoteliers' Association is in contact with the Ministry of Labour and is awaiting its response.
Asked if the tourist season is expected to be better, Michaelides said that it is expected to be better than last year and the year before, which were very bad years, noting that there is interest and accumulated demand because there are people who have not had a holiday for two years. Certainly, he continued, there is interest, however, he added, it must be taken into account that all Mediterranean destinations will be open this year, so there will be intense competition.
We also need to confirm to the markets that Cypriot hotels are staffed and can respond and perform, noting that the problem of staff shortage is not only a Cypriot phenomenon.
Subsequently, the president of the Paphos Hoteliers Association also referred to the high cost of energy that concerns hoteliers.
He also pointed out that what they are trying to address and have taken a series of actions and since last year with the digital campaign, is to address the overdependence on specific markets.
He also pointed out that what they are trying to address and have taken a series of actions and since last year with the digital campaign, is to address the overdependence on specific markets. He added that efforts are being made to maintain the flow of tourists from Great Britain to Paphos, but also to add tourists from all destinations in an effort to improve occupancy rates and reduce seasonality.
Michaelides said that in all seasons there are months that are better than others because some markets have better mobility in some months. Therefore, he continued, as the number of markets we are attracting increases, this fluctuation of information within each season decreases.
Asked about this, he said that at the moment in Paphos District about ten hotels are open while he said that some hotels are expected to open in March month to be ready for April, he concluded.
Source: CNA
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