Only 23% of hotel and tourist accommodation in Cyprus currently holds a full operating licence, according to figures published by the Audit Office in its report on the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.
The Audit Office report on the Deputy Ministry of Tourism notes that 55% of accommodation operates without full legal compliance, while 22% operates only with a temporary licence.
It is also stated that in the government-controlled Famagusta region, only 24 of the 241 tourist accommodation establishments are licensed.
Responding to the findings of the report, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism acknowledges that substantial progress has been made in the licensing of tourist businesses, but points out that the problem remains largely unresolved, as more than half of the tourism units have never submitted an application to obtain a licence.
In its statement, the Deputy Ministry says it will take into consideration the observations of the Audit Office and proceed with the necessary compliance measures.
