government

Tourism to keep head up high in 2024

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Tourism to keep head up high in 2024

– Cyprus’ tourism head, Costas Koumis, is optimistic about the tourism sector’s performance in 2024, aiming for arrivals close to the 3.97 million record of 2019.
– Despite geopolitical unrest and other challenges, the goal is to maintain tourist arrivals at similar levels to the previous year, with a possible deviation of 30,000 to 50,000.
– In 2023, Cyprus saw 3.85 million tourist arrivals, marking the third-best historical performance with a 20% annual increase, despite losing the Russian and Ukrainian markets.
– The tourism sector’s contribution to Cyprus’ GDP in 2023 was estimated at 12.8%, with tourism revenue reaching €2.99 billion, a 22.6% nominal increase from 2022.
– The average per capita expenditure in 2023 increased by 2.1% to €778, and daily expenditure rose by 11.6% to €90.
– The average length of stay for holidaymakers in Cyprus decreased to 8.6 days in 2023 from 9.4 days in 2022.
– Sea arrivals in 2023 were around 322,000, with expectations of a decrease in 2024 due to the conflict in Israel.
– Challenges for 2024 include conflicts in the Middle East, economic downturns in Germany and the UK, and an aviation sector crisis.
– Air connectivity remains the same with 55 airlines, but available seats are expected to decrease from the initial estimate.
– Tourism from Poland, Scandinavian countries, Romania, and Serbia is expected to increase, while UK and German markets remain stable.
– The government and ministry are committed to enhancing Cyprus’ tourism product, with €11.24 million allocated for 16 subsidy schemes in 2024, including €8.1 million from the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Legal battle unfolds in north over complex in Ayios Dhometios

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Legal battle unfolds in north over complex in Ayios Dhometios

A Turkish Cypriot named Canev Denner, who owns nine donums of land in Ayios Dhometios, is suing the authorities over plans to build a Turkish-funded Islamic ‘presidential’ complex on his property. Denner purchased the land in 1973 but was prohibited from using it after the Turkish invasion in 1974 when it was designated a military zone. The land was returned to him by the Turkish army on May 5, 2017, but was later expropriated by the ‘government’ for the construction of the complex, with the decision published on February 29, 2024. Denner has appealed to the ‘supreme administrative court’ to halt the construction. The trial is set to commence on March 20.

Explainer: When is the UK election?

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Explainer: When is the UK election?

– The last possible date for Britain’s next general election is January 28, 2025.
– Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated that 2024 would be an election year.
– Sunak’s working assumption is for a general election in the second half of this year.
– Sunak ruled out holding an election on May 2 and is unlikely to choose any day in May due to logistical difficulties.
– Expectations are for a vote in October or November.
– The decision to call a general election is made by the Prime Minister unless the government loses a motion of no confidence in parliament.
– Upon calling an election, parliament is dissolved, and all lawmakers lose their seats, with a 25 working day period until the general election.
– Elections have been held on a Thursday since 1935.
– Parliament will automatically dissolve on December 17 if an election is not called before then.
– 650 constituencies elect MPs under a first-past-the-post system.
– If a party wins more than 325 MPs, King Charles will invite its leader to form a government.
– If no party achieves a majority, there might be a coalition government or a minority government.
– The Conservative Party has governed in coalition and as a minority government in the past.
– Currently, the Conservatives have a majority, but polls show the Labour Party leading by about 20 percentage points.

Two metric tonnes of smuggled beef seized in north

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Two metric tonnes of smuggled beef seized in north

Almost two metric tonnes of beef smuggled from the Republic were seized in the Kyrenia district. The operation was conducted by the Turkish Cypriot police and the north’s customs department. A total of 1,987.7 kilograms of beef and 67.1kg of lamb were seized. Three men were arrested in connection with the smuggling.

Foreign ministry probes allegations of , ‘toxic’ behaviour at embassy

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Foreign ministry probes allegations of , ‘toxic’ behaviour at embassy

The foreign ministry of Cyprus initiated an investigation following allegations of sexist and homophobic behavior by a staff member at one of its embassies in a European country. These allegations surfaced after a female clerk resigned, citing harassment and intolerable working conditions, including constant sexist and homophobic comments, as well as an atmosphere of shouting and tension. The behavior was attributed to the male ambassador of the embassy in the specific European country. The investigation is being conducted by the General Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the possibility of appointing an investigating officer for potential disciplinary or criminal offenses. This situation arises in the context of a recent policy declaration signed by all members of the Cypriot government, expressing zero tolerance for sexist and harassing behavior.

Archbishop expresses regret over monastery scandal

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Archbishop expresses regret over monastery scandal

Cyprus’ Archbishop Georgios expressed regret over the scandal at the Osiou Avakoum monastery involving allegations of fraud, misconduct, and immorality among clergy members. He announced a thorough investigation into the scandals and urged police and authorities to fully investigate. The Holy Synod has tasked its judicial bodies with investigating the case. Additionally, the monastery is under scrutiny for being built on land protected under the Natura 2000 environmental policy, leading to legal action against the monastery, the church committee, and Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou for unauthorised constructions. Two investigators have been appointed to examine any criminal offences related to the case, and there are calls for the money laundering unit to investigate the church. Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis committed to fully investigating the scandal.

Energy minister promises support for consumers

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Energy minister promises support for consumers

Energy Minister George Papanastasiou invoked the name of late United States President John F. Kennedy in a speech for World Consumer Rights Day, highlighting Kennedy’s view of consumers as central to the economy. Papanastasiou discussed the economic challenges exacerbated by global crises like the Covid-19 pandemic and the energy crisis, leading to economic instability and high inflation. He emphasized the government’s focus on introducing cheap energy, promoting renewable energy sources, and energy conservation, including the launch of the “Photovoltaics for All” scheme. Additionally, he mentioned the planned “e-basket” scheme for price transparency and a bill to allow the government to set maximum retail prices on certain products, alongside a policy of zero VAT on essential products to alleviate financial pressures on consumers.

Japan union group announces biggest wage hikes in 33 years, presaging shift at central bank

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Japan union group announces biggest wage hikes in 33 years, presaging shift at central bank

Japan’s largest companies have agreed to a 5.28% wage increase for 2024, the largest in 33 years, according to the country’s largest union group. This development is seen as a sign that the Bank of Japan may soon end its decade-long stimulus program, especially considering the bank’s eight years of negative interest rate policy. The wage increase exceeds expectations and comes amid annual wage negotiations, which are crucial for the Bank of Japan’s policy decisions. Policymakers hope the wage hikes will boost household spending and support sustainable economic growth. Workers had initially requested a 5.85% increase. The wage hikes are expected to result in positive real wages by April-June 2024. Rengo, the trade union group representing about 7 million workers, aimed for more than 3% increases in base pay. Rising income inequality, inflation, and labor shortages were cited as reasons for the significant wage increase, with part-time workers expected to see a 6% increase this fiscal year. The government hopes these wage hikes will benefit smaller and medium-sized firms, which make up 99.7% of all enterprises. However, wage increases for smaller companies are expected to be lower. Among smaller delivery companies, only 57% plan to raise wages in the upcoming fiscal year. Despite wage increases, real wages have fallen for 22 consecutive months due to inflation not keeping pace. Toyota Motor announced its largest pay increase in 25 years, indicating a strong stance in labor negotiations. The central bank may end negative interest rates as early as its next meeting on March 18-19, influenced by the wage increases and chronic labor shortages in Japan. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida encourages companies to raise wages to combat deflation and improve Japan’s wage growth compared to other OECD countries. The annual pay negotiations, known as “shunto” or “spring labor offensive,” are a key aspect of Japanese business culture, emphasizing collaborative labor-management relations.

Aid ship reaches Gaza as Israel rejects Hamas truce offer [VIDEO]

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Aid ship reaches Gaza as Israel rejects Hamas truce offer [VIDEO]

– The first ship carrying food aid, the Open Arms vessel with 200 tonnes of food, reached the coast of the Gaza Strip.
– The charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) aims to deliver the aid on a temporary jetty.
– The aid is intended to ease the hunger crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands face malnourishment.
– The war began with an attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages in Israel.
– An Israeli assault has killed more than 31,000 people and displaced nearly the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza.
– Hamas’s latest ceasefire counter-proposal, which includes the release of hostages and talks to end the war, was rejected by Israel.
– Israel demands only temporary pauses in fighting and refuses to discuss ending the war until Hamas is eradicated.
– Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, criticized Israel’s rejection of the ceasefire proposal.
– Efforts for a ceasefire continue, with mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar involved.
– The United Nations reports all 2.3 million people in Gaza are suffering from a food crisis.
– Israel denies blame for the hunger crisis and calls for better food distribution by aid agencies.
– At least 21 people were killed and 150 wounded by Israeli forces during a food distribution event.
– U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Israelis to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing his approach to the conflict.

Cyprus consumers in a , ‘dire situation’

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Cyprus consumers in a , ‘dire situation’

Consumers in Cyprus are facing increased financial pressure due to rising prices of essential goods, energy costs, and high interest rates, according to the Peo union. The union highlighted that Cyprus ranks second out of 26 EU countries in terms of energy poverty. The cost of borrowing, particularly for housing loans, is also on the rise despite efforts by the European Central Bank to stabilize it. This situation is making it difficult for low and middle-income groups, especially young couples, to afford decent housing. Peo has called on the government to tax windfall profits to fund a comprehensive social policy, including measures to support low-income groups and vulnerable households. Their proposals include restoring and extending the Cost of Living Allowance (Cola) to all employees, reducing electricity tariffs for low-income pensioners, lowering fuel prices, and introducing a scheme to help low to middle-income households purchase electric cars.