Legislative proposal seeks to prevent closure of 350 Cypriot hotels

Approximately 350 hotels and tourist accommodations in Cyprus face potential closure due to an inability to meet the February 28, 2027, deadline for obtaining mandatory fire safety certificates. To prevent this, political parties DISY, DIKO, and ELAM have submitted a legislative proposal to the Parliament's Commerce Committee, which seeks to extend the compliance deadlines.

The proposed legislation suggests a gradual extension of licensing deadlines until 2029, with an additional provision until 2030 for units facing outstanding urban planning issues. This initiative reportedly has the support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. Supporters of the bill highlight that the delays are primarily caused by bureaucratic processes within state services and existing urban planning irregularities.

Lawmakers and stakeholders warn that if these units are forced to cease operations, it would cause severe economic disruption. The tourism sector currently contributes 15% to the national GDP, and widespread closures could jeopardize thousands of jobs and negatively impact a wide range of related businesses. The proposal is currently under review by the Parliamentary Commerce Committee as stakeholders seek to balance safety regulations with the operational viability of the tourism industry.