By Zafeiros Kastanou:
After many years in obscurity, our village is finally on the tourist map. On the occasion of the construction of the luxurious hotel on the seafront of Agia Thekla, the way is opened for the total revitalization of the area. The competent bodies of the Municipality, with the right moves in recent years have attracted investors and now the vision is becoming a reality. Here, however, is the big bet. Will we be masters until now?
Bearing in mind the competitiveness that prevails in the region, we must not hinder a minute. With the simultaneous construction of the hotel unit, it is an imperative need, around this and the wider area, to fortify and reshape our entire coastal front. Establishments should be built, where tourists and locals can freely relax and have fun. The Municipality of Sotiras must show a range of services and attractions and seek to attract a large mass of tourists by winning young tourists on the one hand and older ones on the other.
Deepening, it becomes necessary for tourists to have alternative places and ways of entertainment. Sotira must be expanded to areas such as beaches, bars, clubs, restaurants, taverns, and at the same time investing in local food and drinks, bringing them to the unique gastronomic flavors of Sotira and our Cyprus. As is well known, our village is famous for the Sotiras colocasia, which has already been registered in the register of designations of origin and protected geographical indications by the European Commission. In addition, the promotion of local beer is required.
Furthermore, it should aim to highlight the uniqueness of the village as the oldest village of free Famagusta in landscapes, such as the seventeen churches of the village and the museums, which is rightly called "Byzantine town", thus exposing the history of our place and promoting items of inestimable value.
All so far so good. After the first part of my article, I would then like to address the major issue that concerns everyone directly and plagues society, unemployment. Expanding, therefore, my thought with the above and starting with the completion of the construction and operation of the hotel, is a first class opportunity to claim the well-meaning interests of the citizens of Sotira, by hiring and employing them in future jobs . The spearhead for any society is its citizen. Therefore, the Municipality of Sotiras must embrace its children, and give opportunities to the locals of the village.
In closing, Sotira has nothing to envy from other tourist places, instead there are the bases to offer a complete vacation package. It is no coincidence, after all, that he holds the blue flag for the beach of Agia Thekla. Our Savior can provide a lot to tourists and to us. The ultimate goal of all of us should be to place our village at the top of the preferences of the tourist destinations of Cyprus and the whole of Europe.
Sapphire Chestnut