New Paphos marina for Cyprus

A fresh attempt to expand and upgrade the marina at Potima in Paphos as “the gateway to the west” will be made this year on a build-operate transfer basis, with a capacity for 1000 boats, of which 600 would be offshore.

According to Politis, incentives for investors include an increase in the development area under offer to 40,000 square metres, compared with 15,000 before, and the right to construct 260 villas, as well as restaurants, shops and other amenities.

It appears that investors would have the right to operate the marina for 90 years, compared with 45 years previously.

However, finding anyone in Paphos willing to comment on details is difficult. While enquiring last week, the Paphos Chamber of Commerce told us to contact the Paphos Municipality, the Paphos Municipality told us to contact the Paphos District Office, but the Paphos District Office told us that they did not have the authority to comment either, as this was the job of the Ministry of Commerce.

However, it does appear that after failed attempts to attract marina investors, there is stronger interest this time.

As part of a wider interview on the tourism sector which we shall be publishing next week, the Director of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Phoebe Katsouris told the Financial Mirror, “There is a keen interest in seeing the project through.”