Cyprus Tourist Guides Association holds protest at Deputy Ministry of Tourism

On March 27, 2026, the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association held a protest outside the Deputy Ministry of Tourism in Nicosia. The association submitted a resolution to Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis calling for stricter enforcement against illegal tour guiding. Members highlighted three main concerns: the prevalence of unauthorized guides, insufficient surveillance of archaeological sites, and a lack of inspections at border checkpoints. Association President Lelia Mylona stated that unauthorized guides, both local and foreign, operate without oversight, which harms professional licensed guides and the national tourism sector. Furthermore, the association noted concerns regarding buses crossing into occupied areas, claiming they often operate without licensed guides. The protest was also motivated by a surge in tour cancellations due to the regional situation. Minister Koumis expressed his intention to amend legislation and requested specific locations where illegal activities occur to facilitate future inspections.