AKEL proposes six-point plan to support tourism amid Middle East crisis

AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou and economy head Charis Poulikarpou presented a six-point proposal to support Cyprus's tourism industry during a press conference in Ayia Napa. The proposals follow consultations with stakeholders in the Famagusta region regarding the negative impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on the local tourism sector. AKEL officials criticized the government's current measures as insufficient and called for additional state intervention to protect jobs and businesses across the entire tourism chain, including hospitality and transport. Stefanou emphasized the need for dynamic adjustments to support schemes and suggested expanding social tourism programs to boost domestic demand. The party intends to request an urgent debate in the relevant parliamentary committee. Furthermore, if the regional situation continues to escalate, AKEL proposes convening the National Council of Political Leaders to evaluate the situation and determine further policy actions.