MVP

Tag: hospitality

  • Cyprus 2026: Cyprus’ 2026 EU Presidency: A Challenge with Tourism Benefits

    Cyprus 2026: Cyprus’ 2026 EU Presidency: A Challenge with Tourism Benefits

    cyprus 2026 — cyprus 2026 — Cyprus’ 2026 EU Presidency presents both a significant challenge and an opportunity for tourism growth in the small nation, home to just over one million residents. As the country prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it has outlined plans to host approximately 260 informal meetings, which are anticipated to generate around 62,500 overnight hotel stays during the first half of the year.

    Cyprus 2026: Boosting Tourism During Off-Peak Months

    The six-month presidency is strategically positioned in a period typically characterised by lower occupancy rates in hotels across Cyprus. Christos Aggelides, general manager of the Pasyxe tourism body, highlighted the expected positive impact on the tourism sector: “There will be 62,500 overnight stays due to the Cypriot presidency which will directly affect hotels and the tourism sector. It will have a positive effect because it will take place in a period when occupancy is not so high.”

    Key Venues and Infrastructure

    Meetings will primarily take place at the Filoxenia conference centre, which is equipped with five main halls and smaller meeting rooms capable of accommodating up to 800 participants. This venue boasts modern technological infrastructure and interpretation systems that meet EU standards, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees. Additionally, a renovated building, previously part of the higher hotel institute, will be designated as the press centre for journalists covering the presidency.

    Financial Considerations and Budget Management

    As Cyprus prepares to host the presidency, officials have indicated that the country will bear most of the costs associated with the event, including expenses for meeting rooms, equipment, security, translation services, and catering. The deputy ministry for European affairs has made it clear that efforts are underway to minimise the burden on the state budget while maintaining high-quality service standards.

    To further ease financial pressures, Cyprus plans to invite sponsorships from companies and organisations, which could help offset some costs. The deputy ministry emphasised that while Cyprus will remain responsible for the majority of expenses, some meetings may benefit from additional funding from the EU or other bodies.

    Transparency and Cost Control Initiatives

    Budget transparency and cost control are top priorities for the government as it approaches the presidency. Akis Kikas, audit director of the contact committee of the European Court of Auditors, stated, “Transparency is ensured as in all budgets. We always make sure that there are no wasteful expenses and that basic transparency exists. All funds included in each budget are approved by you.”

    The finance ministry reiterated that the budget for the presidency is integrated within the broader state budget and adheres to spending limits set by relevant EU directives. Officials are confident that the amounts allocated for the presidency will not threaten the sustainability of public finances.

    Limited EU Funding for the Presidency

    In terms of EU funding, the finance ministry clarified that council presidencies are generally funded by national resources rather than EU contributions. Only a small portion of meetings—approximately 30—will receive partial funding from the EU or other organisations, which could cover costs like accommodation, transport, or general conference expenses.

    As the ministry pointed out, “The contribution of the European Union to the budget for Cyprus’ presidency of the council is essentially negligible.” This reinforces the need for Cyprus to manage its finances prudently while ensuring that the presidency meets the expectations of both national and European stakeholders.

    Logistics and Hospitality Standards

    The logistics surrounding the presidency will also require careful planning. Luxury vehicles, buses, and minibuses will be used to transport heads of delegations and delegates. Security and traffic management will be coordinated by the relevant authorities, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all participants.

    In a nod to Cypriot culture, the deputy ministry for European affairs assured that catering services will showcase the country’s hospitality, professionalism, and commitment to environmental sustainability. All services will undergo quality control to maintain high standards.

    A Balancing Act for Cyprus

    As Cyprus gears up for its presidency, officials face the delicate task of ensuring efficient organisation while controlling costs and maintaining transparency. The country aims to deliver a strong national message and reaffirm its position within the European Union through effective management of this prestigious role.

    The challenges ahead are significant, but with careful planning and a proactive approach, Cyprus is poised to make its presidency a success, benefiting not only from increased tourism but also from enhanced visibility on the European stage.

  • Working Through a Heatwave: The Struggles of Outdoor Labourers

    Working Through a Heatwave: The Struggles of Outdoor Labourers

    working through — Working through a heatwave presents significant challenges for outdoor labourers, particularly as temperatures soar to 45 degrees Celsius. While many individuals enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned environments, countless workers toil under the unforgiving sun, facing serious health risks.

    The Labour Inspection Office plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these workers during extreme weather. Their inspectors conduct surprise visits to ensure compliance with safety regulations, especially when the Meteorological Service issues orange and red warnings. This summer alone, 310 inspections were carried out, resulting in 58 fines and 36 prohibition notices, according to Aristodimos Economides, the department’s director.

    Despite these efforts, concerns linger about the effectiveness of the inspections. Violations are rampant across various sectors, including construction, agriculture, and restaurant kitchens. When weather alerts are issued, inspectors are dispatched to ensure that outdoor work ceases during critical hours, typically between 11 am and 5 pm. A labour inspection officer explained, “When there is an orange warning, from 12 pm to 4 pm, work must be interrupted for outdoor spaces and manual labour.”

    Heavy penalties await employers who disregard these regulations, with fines ranging from €500 to €1,000 for continuing work during extreme heat. However, the reality for many workers is harsh; when work is interrupted, they often have to make up the hours during subsequent shifts or face reduced pay.

    In many cases, the conditions that should ensure worker safety remain unmet. In restaurant kitchens, for instance, staff endure not only the outdoor heat but also the oppressive temperatures generated by cooking equipment. Many establishments lack proper ventilation, fans, or adequate break times, leaving workers to suffer in silence.

    As inspections may not always happen as frequently as needed, some workers have taken the initiative to contact inspectors themselves when they feel their working conditions are inadequate. Construction workers have expressed frustration over perceived negligence from inspection officials. “Oftentimes, contractors take over projects they cannot complete on time, and we as the workers are forced to work long hours in the scorching sun,” lamented one worker.

    While larger construction sites may see inspectors more often, smaller projects often lack oversight. An anonymous worker voiced disbelief, stating, “I was not even aware that a labour inspection office existed, that’s how rarely we see them!”

    The pressure to meet deadlines can lead contractors to flout safety regulations. One contractor, when asked about interrupting work during heat alerts, responded incredulously, “Of course we carry on working! Otherwise, when would the project finish?”

    To cope with the heat, some contractors resort to providing refreshments like Coke Zeros and water, but this barely addresses the underlying issues. Workers frequently prefer to stay on-site rather than lose pay, often seeking shade when possible. Many outdoor workers lack appropriate clothing to protect themselves, relying on everyday attire. A self-employed painter shared, “I just wear my everyday clothes, and when it gets unbearable, I just go home.”

    Conversely, some contractors do take heat protection seriously, opting for lighter clothing and ensuring their teams stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas. One contractor noted that inspection officers had indeed visited their site, indicating that some compliance exists.

    The increasing temperatures and environmental challenges highlight the urgent need for better regulation of working conditions for manual labourers. As the demand for outdoor work continues, ensuring that these conditions are safe and compliant has never been more critical.