Breaking news

Cyprus Cheese Producers Urge Government Action Over Hemorrhagic Fever Risk

The Cypriot Cheese Producers Association has called on government ministries to introduce immediate preventive measures following recent outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever. According to the association, swift action is necessary to protect public health, safeguard the food supply chain, and prevent potential economic disruptions in the agricultural and dairy sectors.

Strategic Precautions For National Safety

In its official communication, the association stressed the importance of implementing strict preventive protocols, particularly in areas where oversight remains limited. Rising concern within the agricultural sector reflects the potential impact that uncontrolled viral transmission could have on livestock production and the broader dairy industry in Cyprus.

Targeted Preventative Interventions

Industry representatives proposed several targeted actions aimed at containing the spread of the virus and strengthening biosecurity controls across the island:

  • Suspension or Temporary Closure of Livestock Units:
    Livestock operations located within or near high-risk areas, especially around Pergamos, should temporarily suspend activity or close until they meet required veterinary and biosecurity standards.

  • Enhanced Border Controls:
    Stricter inspections at border crossings and along the Green Line are considered essential to prevent the illegal movement of animals, fodder, or other materials that could carry the virus.

  • Monitoring At Key Transit Points:
    Continuous oversight at critical checkpoints, including the Pergamos crossing, is recommended to address gaps in regulatory supervision and ensure stronger disease-control measures.

Applying The Precautionary Principle

The association noted that the recommendations are based on the precautionary principle and emerging evidence of virus transmission in areas with limited monitoring. Protecting livestock health is seen as essential not only for maintaining domestic production but also for safeguarding the reputation of Cypriot dairy products in international markets.

Call For Coordinated Action

Industry leaders emphasize that coordinated and timely government action will be critical to preventing wider disruptions in the agricultural sector. Effective preventive measures, they argue, would help protect Cyprus’s dairy industry while preserving the stability of one of the country’s key food production chains.

Cyprus And Greece Outline Joint Tourism Plans For Summer 2026

Strategic Partnership Enhances Tourism Prospects

The Cyprus Tourism Authority (EOT Cyprus) presented proposals for summer 2026 focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, with joint efforts aimed at attracting visitors from long-haul markets.

Greece: The Top Destination For Cypriot Travelers

At an event on April 28, Athena Spakouri, Director of EOT Cyprus, said Greece is expected to remain the main travel destination for Cypriot residents, with plans extending beyond established locations to include lesser-known regions. This approach reflects a broader effort to diversify travel options while maintaining strong demand between the two countries.

Complementary Destinations, Unified Vision

Building on this, Spakouri noted that Cyprus and Greece offer complementary tourism experiences rather than competing directly. Joint programmes are therefore being positioned to attract visitors from markets such as the United States and China, while tourism activity continues to be assessed in the context of broader geopolitical developments.

Robust Air And Sea Connectivity

Supporting this cooperation, Konstantinos Kollias said around 600,000 Cypriots travelled to Greece in 2025. Frequent flights, short travel times, and ferry connections between Limassol and Piraeus continue to facilitate movement between the two countries and sustain travel flows.

Diverse Tourism Offerings for a New Era

Konstantinos Kollias highlighted that Greece’s tourism portfolio spans from traditional seaside holidays to sectors such as cultural, religious, gastronomic, agritourism, ecotourism, spa, conference, and medical tourism.

This range reflects the expansion of tourism offerings across different segments and travel preferences. In parallel, Joseph Iosif referred to Greece as a “second homeland” for Cypriot travellers, pointing to longstanding cultural and travel links between the two countries.

Innovative Programs And Strengthened Connections

Building on this approach, the EOT strategy includes initiatives focused on gastronomic routes, cultural trails, thematic and religious tourism, as well as curated city breaks in destinations such as Athens and Thessaloniki. These programmes were presented at the event alongside references to historical, cultural, and religious connections between Cyprus and Greece, including remarks from Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.

Boosting Air Connectivity And Island Accessibility

At the same time, airlines including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Cyprus Airways outlined plans to expand connections between Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on increasing access to island destinations. The event also brought together stakeholders from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Hermes Airports, tour operators, and ACTAA, reflecting coordination across different parts of the tourism sector.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter