The long weekend of Green Monday provided a much-needed boost to leisure centres across Cyprus ahead of the start of the tourist season, Neophytos Thrasyvoulou, president of the federation of owners of leisure centres said on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Thrasyvoulou said that customer traffic over the three-day holiday was satisfactory for leisure establishments. The increased activity came as a relief to businesses that have been struggling during the quieter winter months.

He also emphasised the need to upgrade services in restaurants and cafés, expressing hope that a waiter training programme will soon be approved. This initiative, he said, would help prevent staffing shortages once the tourist season begins.

When asked about the reopening of more leisure centres, Mr Thrasyvoulou noted that after March 15, a greater number of establishments would resume operations. Currently, only about 30 per cent of leisure centres in coastal areas are open, compared to 80 per cent in Nicosia.

As Cyprus prepares for the influx of tourists in the coming months, business owners are eager to ensure smooth operations and high service standards to attract both locals and visitors.