Phanos Leventis: Venues closing due to lack of staff

Phanos Leventis, the head of the Leisure and Entertainment Establishment Owners Association (PASIKA) has sounded the alarm over the problems staff shortages are creating for businesses in the catering industry.

Speaking to InBusinessNews, Leventis emphasised that there are businesses that remain closed precisely because of the lack of staff. "It's a multi-million-dollar investment," he said, pointing out that an understaffed space is essentially underperforming.

"In spite of our continuous effort to upgrade the entire hospitality sector, our quality is being degraded in this way", he underlined, adding that in terms of catering, staffing needs are increasing.

"The problem exists and the needs are increasing, because the number of catering centers are also increasing. Since the state licenses new premises, this concern must also exist. How will they be staffed? How will investors come if this problem exists? In our effort to grow our economy, we are being confronted by this wall", explained Phanos Leventis.

The head of PASIKA concludes that from the point of view of the competent Ministry, there is doubt as to whether what the companies put forward as needs, correspond to the real magnitude of the problem.

"As an Association, apart from exerting constant pressure and trying to convince, there is not much else we can do," he noted.

Asked to comment on the statement of Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou, by which he called on businesses to look for Cypriots or members of the EU that were unemployed, Phanos Leventis suggested the minister take a closer look at the status quo.

"This statement by the dear minister refers to previous decades, when the numbers and needs were different. The number of Cypriots who are employed (within the industry) is huge, but the needs are much greater," he pointed out.

Festive season market doing well

However, despite the problems facing the leisure center and catering sector, holiday season business is doingquite well, with customers being quite... "well-versed" about the prices and services on offer.

"Interest has increased. Our fellow citizens are following our own admonitions and are exploring the market in search of the best price and what is offered to them. It is in everyone's interest", said Leventis.

According to the PASIKA head, the prices at venues are within a reasonable framework, while as Phanos Leventis reports, some businesses will not operate at all.

"There are many difficulties. The prices offered by the entrepreneurs are low. They include a festive menu and music program. Some places offer something more at reasonable prices. During the holiday season we must say that some places will not open at all. Mainly in coastal areas," he explained.

What the Association is asking for is that, during the festive season, there be an extension of the operation times of the recreation centers, as - as it considers - timetables are tight.

"We have sent a similar letter to the relevant Ministry and are waiting for a response. We pointed out that more problems are created and caused with the timetables as implemented. People are reacting, they don't want to leave etc.," concluded Leventis.

(Source: InBusinessNews)