Letter sent to UK minister
Strong concern over the UK travel advice Cyprus warning has been expressed by the Board of the British Cypriot Council in a letter to UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty.
The letter says the current period of uncertainty due to the Middle East conflict has led to strict travel guidance, which has already caused flight and holiday cancellations, affecting Cyprus’ tourism industry.
Tourism fears ahead of Easter
With Easter approaching, Cyprus is preparing to welcome millions of visitors, while the tourism sector has already made extensive preparations to promote the island as a safe destination.
The council warns that the wording of the travel advice risks damaging Cyprus’ image as a secure and attractive holiday location, with possible negative economic consequences.
Call for balanced assessment
The letter recognises the responsibility of the UK government to protect its citizens abroad, but calls for the advice to be reviewed so that it reflects a more balanced and proportionate assessment of the situation.
It also highlights Cyprus’ role in regional stability, noting that for more than two decades the country has provided humanitarian support and assisted in evacuations from crisis areas, while also playing an active role in European affairs.
The council stressed that vigilance is necessary, but the threat of terrorism is a global issue and not limited to the region. It urged the British government to urgently reconsider the guidance where needed.
The British Cypriot Council promotes Cyprus’ interests in decision-making centres in London and supports stronger bilateral relations.
The letter was signed by Doros Partasides, Marie Nicholsby, Antonis Savvidis, Spyros Neophytou, Spyros Papacharalambous, Dr Elias Dinenis, Pantelis Demosthenous and John Stergides.
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