By Marinos Pavlikas *:
There are big differences in the province of Famagusta in terms of the intense and uninterrupted growth rates that prevail lately. The increase in the tourist flow and the focus on large tourism infrastructure projects as well as the investments of millions that are in the pipeline have brought about a disturbance of the balances between the coastal areas and the hinterland.
They are looking at Agia Thekla
A typical example of building orgasm is the Municipality of Sotiras, which is now the apple of contention in terms of turning the eyes of businessmen to the west, thus extending the tourist development of the main tourist centers of free Famagusta - Protaras. and Ayia Napa - to the "virgin" area of Agia Thekla.
The decisive role was played, of course, by the grandiose project of the Ayia Napa marina, of € 250 million, on the border of Ayia Napa and Ayia Thekla, an unprecedented project in the whole province of Famagusta, as the Egyptian Croesus Naguib Sawiris of the island anticipating the huge benefits that will result from the rapid progress observed in the area.
The dance of investments in Agia Thekla was opened by the first five-star hotel which started to be built in the area. The "Sun City Spa Resorts and Residences" of the joint venture of the Giovani group with the company Jimchang Global is not only the first elite hotel of the Municipality of Sotiras but also the largest private investment in the hotel industry in Famagusta with more than 215 rooms, luxury villas, apartments and luxury restaurants in 21 thousand square meters of development.
Continuation of the tourist infrastructure will give another four-star hotel which is in the process of issuing an urban planning permit, while according to the Mayor Sotiras, George Takka, there is lively interest from two more businessmen who are soon expected to submit a formal proposal to create two additional elites five star hotels in the area.
Development brings new projects
This fact has contributed positively to the utilization of all the interest by the Municipality of Sotiras in attracting tourist flow. As Mayor Sotiras told "S", the revenues from tourism have contributed not only to the gradual repayment of the Municipality's loans but also to the strengthening of the fund for infrastructure projects in the interior of Sotira. Comparatively, he stated that in 2011 the income from the beaches was 19,7 thousand euros while in 2016 they increased to 72,4 thousand euros. The vertical increase is also visible in Civil Weddings, since the attraction of wedding tourism was such that there was a vertical increase, from 2 thousand euros in 2012 to 52,6 thousand in 2016.
Mr. Takkas noted, in fact, in "S" that the revenues from tourism led to the further seriousness with which the municipal authority looks forward to the development course that is followed. An example of this is the elaboration of a large study for the regeneration and shaping of the entire coastal front of Sotira, approximately three kilometers long, with the licensing of four and five star hotel units, the creation of restaurants, sidewalks and recreation areas, thus connecting the development which will result from the neighboring marina of Ayia Napa with the rest of the area of Agia Thekla.
Falling prices inland, rising on the coast
According to Mr. Kyriakos Talatinis, President of the Association of Scientists, Real Estate Appraisers and Consultants of Cyprus, important data are presented regarding the comparative value of real estate in free Famagusta. These data show the increasing trend that prevails in the coastal areas, compared to the mainland.
In Deryneia the value of a plot of 550sqm. in 2010 it amounted to 135-140 thousand euros, while today it amounts to 83-85 thousand euros. In Paralimni the same plot cost in 2010 165-170 thousand while today it costs 95-100 thousand euros. On the other hand, in the coastal areas there is a stability of prices, since despite the fall due to economic crisis, prices have risen to the same levels. The value of a 200sqm beach villa in 2010 amounted to € 1,1 million in Agia Thekla and € 1,3 in Ayia Napa and Protaras, while today the value of the same villa amounted to € 900 thousand in Agia Thekla and € 1,1, XNUMX in Protaras and Ayia Napa.
Deryneia is marginalized
Further north, in the remote and semi-occupied Municipality of Deryneia, in a Municipality almost similar in population to Sotira, the exact opposite situation is presented. The occupation of about 75% of the territory of the Municipality of Deryneia, either by the occupying authorities or within the dead zone, has led for 43 years, a withering in the agricultural sector which has lost its most fertile land.
According to the Mayor of Deryneia, Andro Karagiannis, the announcements of the President of the Republic last September, prove the marginalization that exists. Proof of the fact, according to him, is the great financial support to the coastal municipalities in relation to Deryneia and the communities of the free province of Famagusta.
The hinterland to be an alternative tourism
Speaking to "S", Mr. Karagiannis stated that the Government's development plans are based on the coastal Municipalities, considering them as the funds of the traditional type of tourism. Nevertheless, he noted, the Government had to create conditions for development in the hinterland, oriented towards alternative and profitable forms of tourism.
According to him, the three projects claimed by the Municipality of Deryneia, were found outside the announcements of the President of the Republic. The most important of these is the regeneration and expansion of the People's Market of Deryneia, an initiative that started in 2013, now attracting more than 45 local and foreign farmers, thus contributing to the support of the agricultural sector and the development of social ties. The second project claimed by Deryneia was the culture hall, amounting to 3 million euros, a project which would also be a conference center, contributing to the attraction of conference tourism. Equally important project is the provincial swimming pool of € 5 million which was claimed by the Municipality of Deryneia, looking forward to attracting medical tourism in conjunction with the General Hospital of Famagusta.
As stated by the Mayor of Deryneia, a decisive factor was the reduction of state sponsorship from € 1,8 million in 2013 to € 1.055.000 in 2016, as well as the fact that the Municipality of Deryneia as a semi-occupant has no other source of revenue other than taxes. .
The Deryneia roadblock is an opportunity for the province
Regarding the announcement for the start of works within the 150 meters of the Dead Zone at the Deryneia roadblock and their completion by January 2018, Mr. Karagiannis stressed that this event will contribute positively to the increase of commercial traffic within Deryneia .
On the other hand, he expressed his understanding of the voices of concern that are often heard about the opening of the roadblock on Famagusta Avenue, emphasizing that this is a political decision. At the same time, he did not fail to express his reservations regarding the schedules that were set many times, since the two and a half years of waiting have caused the discomfort of the residents of Deryneia.
* SIMERINI newspaper of Sunday (19/11/2017)