Heads in the cloud or heads in the sand?
In mutually beneficial complicity, Tourism authorities rush for refuge behind infrastructural developments to divert attention from the negligent management of national tourism assets in Cyprus
During the annual conference of travel agents in Cyprus (ACTA), Mr. Paschalides, minister of commerce, industry and tourism, urged the tourism trade to focus on building the winter season. In continued efforts to undermine deficiencies in the service based industry, Mr Paschalides pointed towards the numerous works as, accomplishments, which will further improve the tourist infrastructure. Among developments outlined he pointed to the refurbishment of the International Conference Centre, ongoing works at the Limassol Marina and new golf courses planned in Larnaka and Pafos.
What it is for sure, is that nobody may have informed him about the Tourism and travel competitiveness report published earlier this year by the World Economic Forum, where Cyprus without further infrastructural investments, was already leading world tourism industry with outstanding performances in its tourism infrastructure.
On the another hand, Cyprus Tourism Organization head also reassured the travel agents stakeholders, that the new design of strategy plan 2011-2015 was well underway of being implemented.
By the looks of 155 page report, especially with the personalised template design, it will not be getting high marks for an inspiring marketing read. If we are to judge by this organisational planning document that is to lead the Cyprus Tourism Organisation into next decade, one is bound to be more skeptical about the expectations building up for the next 5 years.
With these developments and despite the calls for unity and collaboration, it isn't surprising that the observations of Mr. Mantovani, president of the travel agent association, resonate more than ever when highlighting public interference of national air carriers, as examples of improvisation by Tourism Authorities.
In contrast to the opinion of Mr. Paschalides, I believe that Tourism stakeholders do have a choice, in how they will unite and collaborate.
One thing for sure and a good start is get back to earth and put our heads together, because it is evident, from past track record, that neither Mr. Paschalides nor Cyprus Tourism authorities seem to be able deliver upon expectations.