The United Kingdom (UK) and Cyprus have recently developed an e-learning platform. This is aimed at boosting security within the tourism sector. Additionally, the platform aims to train individuals in the roles of awareness and crisis management.
The British High Commission in Limassol said that the new program’s focus is on training tourism personnel within the major areas of the industry. This would apply in areas such as hotels, airports, restaurants, and bars to caution them about the identification and management of likely terrorist attacks. The British High Commission in Limassol announced the launch of the training platform for counter-terrorism awareness training. This move is due to both countries being expected to cooperate in developing Cyprus’ tourism sector, besides improving the image of Cyprus as a safe country to travel to.
The new platform is the first of its kind in Europe. This underscores the close relationship between Cyprus and the UK, especially in matters of security, law enforcement, and counterterrorist efforts. The announcement was made during the ‘Safeguarding Cyprus’s Tourism Industry’ conference, co-organised by the British High Commission and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. The British High Commissioner, Michael Tatham, highlighted the importance of the collaboration. Tatham noted that tourism is a vital economic pillar for Cyprus, which contributes USD 5.2 billion annually to the country’s economy. Tatham emphasised that a destination’s reputation for safety is a valuable asset that requires rigorous protection. This is especially true given that 34% of tourists visiting Cyprus are typically British citizens. The island’s sunny climate and Mediterranean allure tend to draw many British tourists.
Tatham emphasised that security tends to be a critical factor influencing tourists’ decisions, whilst noting that a single incident of insecurity could have lasting consequences. In the wake of such a tragedy, the long-term effects tend to extend beyond the immediate human toll. In fact, such instances tend to lead to harming the trust & confidence that travellers tend to place in any destination.
