The Cabinet has given approval for a new marina and cruise ship pier in Paphos, as announced by Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios. This development, which includes a hotel, marina, and a pier for luxury cruise ships, has been a goal of the Deputy Ministry for four years.

The project had been inactive for 30 years until now. An expert study confirmed the technical feasibility of a mixed development, with the condition that the pier would only cater to cruise ships up to 220 meters long.

This aligns with the Deputy Ministry’s aim to attract higher-income tourists. Integrated development proposals are favored by the Deputy Ministry for their potential to generate greater profits for the local economy, benefiting villages in the Paphos area and Polis Chrysochous.

Local authorities and the Urban Planning Council have shown support for the project, contingent on the future investor providing environmental studies and a master plan when required. If all goes as planned, investors can expect final guidance by 2024.

Additionally, the Cabinet has approved a grant scheme to upgrade hotels and rural tourist accommodations in mountainous or remote areas, with varying levels of funding allocated based on the location and type of accommodation.

Accommodation in mountainous and remote areas will receive 75% of the upgrade cost, countryside accommodations will receive 65%, and underdeveloped tourist areas will receive 50% of the cost.