NICOSIA – Tourism in Cyprus, a major revenue engine which helped pull the country out of an economic and banking crisis, could be severely undercut by the COVID-19 Coronavirus as cases grow and travelers around the world being urged to revise their plans.

A number of other events that draw crowds, such as conventions, baptisms and weddings will also be hurt as people stay away after the Ministry of Health limited attendance at those which do operate to no more than 75 people indoors.With spring setting in and the critical summer season approaching, tourism will likely be the sector suffering the biggest blow, said a report in the newspaper Phileleftheros, although no assessment has yet been made by the government.

The effect is setting in just as the biggest holiday of the year, Easter, is coming, with people in Greece being advised not to attend Church services despite the religious significance of the period for many, and with the elderly the most vulnerable population.

Other businesses expected to suffer are catering, leisure, clothing and footwear with people avoiding going out and conferences and other events being cancelled as fear has spread even faster than the virus.

Initial reports show some hotels with only 20 percent occupancy while their suppliers, such as food, beverage and toiletry companies being affected, and with workers in tourist-sensitive businesses likely to see their jobs hit.
Supermarkets are doing a boom business as people stock up, fearing they could be confined or that essential items will soon run out.