By Antonis Loizos *:
We studied the report of the Department of Environment which rejects the proposal for the creation of golf in the area of Cape Greco, between Paralimni and Ayia Napa, as well as the need for such infrastructure projects in the area and we want to discuss the issue.
The pro
It is a fact that the tourist season of the Famagusta region is shorter due to the non-occupation during the winter months, although the Famagusta region hosts every year ± 33% of tourist arrivals (2017).
Two marinas are currently under construction, one in Ayia Napa and one in Protaras, which will definitely help in the engagement of tourism and in the upgrading of the local tourist product. Either in the form of expansion or / or new tourist units over 2.000 beds were erected, while the upgrade of almost all units is careful.
However, the low occupancy rate remains in the winter months, despite the existence of hundreds of housing units (mainly from Nicosians and foreigners), which are the main support of tourism during the winter, in contrast to other cities.
The golf course will offer entertainment to visitors for the benefit of all tourist units, homes in Airbnb-Villas to let rentals and consequently in local leisure centers, shops, etc.
All this together will result in the extension of the period, the increase of the fullness of the units, the increase of the charge and the upgrade of the tourist product, both in quality of the units and the facilities, including occasional rentals regarding weddings and events.
Both the Municipality of Paralimni and that of Ayia Napa and more recently Sotira have shown that they have the strength and ability to carry out projects for the benefit of the local economy, while local events are careful (from the strawberry festival to the one for the kolokasi, concerts and religious tourism - especially Easter), the best.
We believe that the local golf course is necessary for the local economy and its sustainability to a large extent and together with the marinas and the new expected projects (such as that of the Liopetri River) will add another image to the area.
Famagusta is the favorite destination of Nicosia that keeps the constant demand during periods of low occupancy, while quality restaurants are partially maintained in demand by them. As for the water for golf, this is not a particular problem due to the existence of the sewer of the two municipalities right next to the project.
Those against
There is the report of the Environment Committee which is a catapult against both because of Natura and because of migratory birds etc. Of course we are concerned, but on the other hand there is a huge Natura area that includes the whole Cape Greco up to the hotel Kermia, the lake of Paralimni, the whole area between Ayia Napa and the Golden Coast hotel which falls into this category , while infrastructure projects, such as the coastal sidewalk along the coastal area of Kermia-Ayia Napa, have collapsed because of the same committee, because the stakes will affect the fish (see Limassol - what happened?) and even the Environment Committee canceled two sinking of boats to enrich diving tourism. And it turned out to be her mistake when none of the pollution fears came true. See also a more recent proposal for the sinking of tanks for the same purpose, while there are similar sinkings worldwide.
This golf course started to be a golf course with no requirements for hotels, residences, etc. Now the developers themselves have an appetite and are asking for more and more. This is understandable to us because the golf course alone cannot survive financially. In addition, the state is asking for rent on the value of the Halit land at 5% / year, a very high percentage that does not take into account the benefit that this development will bring. This is incorrect.
Our point of view
We are of the opinion that what should be important is the public interest for the benefit of the place / economy, while the classification of an area as Natura does not prohibit development. We reiterate the decision of the ECtHR in Hungary, for a lawsuit against the construction of a factory in the Natura area which indicated that "the priority is the well being" (the well-being) of the inhabitants.
So here how can the position of the Environment Committee and the public interest and the interest of the inhabitants / economy of the place be reconciled? Between the two positions we believe that the economy should prevail, taking into account during development as much protection of the environment as possible and not the cancellation of the project.
So the public interest and the well-being of the locals and especially the economy is the main goal not to suffer from the lack of water in Paphos caused by legal proceedings, the abolition of the existing factory and the construction of a new station (and the payment of compensation to foreign investors), with the result that the whole of Cyprus and especially Paphos suffers.
* FRICS - Antonis Loizou & Associates Ltd - Real Estate Appraisers & Development Project Managers
www.aloizou.com.cy
ala-HQ@aloizou.com.cy