“Obviously, a significant number of souvenir shops in Ayia Napa and Protaras will have to close,” commented on the situation in the region the official representative of the association of small traders Povek Kyriakos Ambizas.

Shop owners in the coastal region of Famagusta are in a deplorable financial situation – tourists are almost absent, and the rates for rent premises do not plan to reduce. “In fact, very few shops have reopened in Ayia Napa and Protaras after quarantine,” said Kyriakos. “And it is reported that most shops are not expected to reopen before the rest of the tourist season or maybe before the end of the year,” he added.

Povek also said that Ayia Napa and Protaras are currently experiencing a shortage of tourists, so the turnover in most clothing and souvenir shops is very low. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that rental rates are very high.

“Rental rates are prohibitive in most cases,” added a Povek representative.

Ambizas also added that, unfortunately, the government’s proposal to use tax deductions to reduce the rent did not induce commercial owners to lower their rent.

“In most cases, shop owners require full annual rent regardless of the situation,” he said.

Povek also added that if there is a second wave of pandemic in the fall, the situation will be more than terrible.

Source: Philenews