The Paphos Marina project, a long-delayed development in the Potima area of Kissonerga (between Paphos and Coral Bay), has seen significant progress in recent weeks under President Nikos Christodoulides’ administration. The project, first conceptualized in the late 1990s and plagued by legal challenges, tenders, and bureaucratic delays for over 30 years, is now advancing toward implementation as part of a broader regional development push.
Key Announcement and Recent Developments
- Presidential Announcement (September 16, 2025): During a meeting with Paphos stakeholders at the Attikon Cultural Venue, President Christodoulides unveiled plans for over 75 development projects in the Paphos district, with a total budget exceeding €230 million. He highlighted the Paphos Marina as a “landmark project,” emphasizing its role in elevating the city to a leading maritime and tourism destination. The marina is designed to span 165,000 square meters and accommodate up to 1,000 leisure boats, along with facilities for luxury cruise ships, hotels, residential, and commercial areas. The President underscored its potential to boost the local economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth, stating that the government is committed to “balanced regional development” for Paphos.
- Tender Launch (September 18, 2025): Just two days after the announcement, the Deputy Ministry of Tourism officially opened the tender process for the project. It will be awarded via a long-term DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer) concession agreement, inviting investors to develop both sea and land components. This follows stakeholder consultations where President Christodoulides reiterated the marina’s priority status among the 75 initiatives.
Current Status and OutlookAs of September 23, 2025, the tender is active, with interested parties (including potential consortia) able to submit proposals. George Mais, President of the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has welcomed the framework, noting it addresses long-standing stakeholder concerns and uses a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) method for efficiency. Construction is estimated to begin within 2–3 years, with hopes for completion during the current presidential term (ending 2028). No major objections have surfaced since the tender’s launch, signaling a smoother path forward compared to past iterations.
This update reflects the government’s push for nautical tourism amid Cyprus’s steady economic growth, despite regional challenges. For the latest on the tender process, check the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s announcements.