In the case of Ayia Napa, according to Ayia Napa Mayor Yiannis Karousos an investor for the project had been found but his proposals had not been met. The Karamontanis company wants a permit for an extra 14,000m² to build a 15-storey hotel alongside the marina. The request is being considered by cabinet, who will decide before April, when construction is set to begin. Ayia Napa Mayor has also submitted two requests to cabinet regarding the project. He has requested that if the company's proposal for a hotel complex is approved, that landowners in nearby areas to the marina should also be given permits to build hotels.

Karousos also wants Ayia Napa marina to be allowed to welcome cruise ships. The municipality says that attracting cruise ships to the free Famagusta area would significantly contribute to tourist development of the area. The mayor said that, independent of the approval of the company's request, the marina construction projects should begin in the first half of 2014. As concerns the marina in Protaras, Paralimni Mayor Theodoros Pirillis said the municipality anticipated that the Commerce Ministry, in the first three months of 2014, would launch a competition for tenders for the project. "We are hoping that we will get the support that we need from the state. "This project will not have any costs for the state, however, what we are asking is that they launch the competition for tenders as soon as possible as there are many investors interested in the Protaras marina," said Paralimni Mayor Theodoros Pirillis. Pirillis also expressed disappointment with the fact that the area has not had any state support, referring to the lack of major development projects in the last few years, even though it has contributed 20% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and hosts more than 50% of tourists on the island.

Source: InCyprus