Cyprus urges hotels to open up, pours funding into tourism

Cyprus is boosting funding for tourism, boosting wages in hotels and accomodation to encourage the sector to open up early, despite the Middle East conflict.

The government is going to cover 30% of staff wages in hotels and tourist accommodation in April as an incentive for properties to open their doors.

It is a bid to mitigate the war's impact, as some hoteliers are planning to open later than usual due to a decline in bookings.

There's also a special plan to support airlines in order to secure connections to key source markets for tourists, though further details are not yet available.

Cyprus is a popular tourist destination thanks to its balmy weather, numerous attractions and reliable infrastructure.

Located at the crossroads of three continents, it has drawn travellers for centuries.

Many come for its sandy beaches and temperate sea or explore the mountains with their villages, vineyards and monasteries.

Travellers often enjoy the island's coastal resorts but also its lesser known wilderness peninsulas and forested mountains.

But as it is located only around 150-250 kilometres from Israel and Lebanon, Cyprus has also been struggling with the impact of the war.

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