Dialogos

MAAS: Digital Tools to Address Staff Shortages in Larnaca Tourism

Published February 28, 2026, 09:01
MAAS: Digital Tools to Address Staff Shortages in Larnaca Tourism

The European MAAS (Match, Attain and Sustain) program offers digital tools to address staff shortages in tourism, with the Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company participating as a partner from Cyprus. The program focuses on strengthening the connection between tourism businesses and job seekers by empowering counselors and employment intermediaries with modern methods and digital tools. Within the framework of MAAS, a multilingual electronic Guide (eGuide) with practical guidance for the tourism sector, as well as the digital platform MAAS eTracker, which allows for the recording of candidate profiles, monitoring their integration, and collaboration with employers, were developed. The development of these tools was based on research and interviews with tourism professionals and Ukrainian refugees in Cyprus, aiming to meet the real needs and skill gaps in the market. The Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP) states that its participation in MAAS is part of broader efforts to upgrade the skills of human resources and enhance the competitiveness of the Larnaca tourism sector. The project's results will be disseminated to the network of local businesses, contributing to the creation of a more resilient and inclusive labor market in tourism. Tasos Perdios, a representative of ETAP, emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the staffing challenges facing the tourism sector in Cyprus and Europe, providing practical tools and solutions for more effective skills matching and job retention.