The Cyprus Hotel Managers Association (PASYDIXE) is appealing to authorities to reconsider a decision to relocate a centre for unaccompanied minors to Pernera.
In a written statement, the Association points out that “the relocation of asylum seekers to a tourist apartment complex in the heart of the Pernera tourist area of the Municipality of Paralimni poses a visible risk of serious degradation with a chain of negative effects on an already strained area trying to regain its identity and business appeal.”
It is added that “the operation of such a centre will dramatically alter the character of the area, devalue the holidays in all neighbouring licensed hotels, and act as a disincentive to those who intended to choose the Pernera area for their leisure or tourist visit, to catering or beach facilities.”
Furthermore, the statement notes that “the potential operation of this particular centre will increase the degree of unattractiveness of the area, which has been severely tested in recent years, leading to the closure of many businesses. Already, travel agents are expressing their dissatisfaction and do not rule out a departure from the area’s accommodations.”
PASYDIXE further states in its announcement that “even at the twelfth hour, the government and its competent services are called upon to reconsider their decision and protect an area with over three thousand tourist and residential beds, by relocating the Centre for Unaccompanied Minors to a more suitable area”.
