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30 Key Projects To Transform Famagusta With €122 Million Investment

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

President Nikos Christodoulides has announced a €122 million investment across 30 projects aimed at revitalizing the free areas of Famagusta. Speaking at a regional gathering in Paralimni on 13 February, he outlined the government’s vision to enhance infrastructure, boost tourism, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Joined by members of the Council of Ministers and state officials, the President emphasized Famagusta’s vital role in Cyprus’ economy, particularly in tourism and the primary sector. The projects include major road network upgrades, the development of urban and linear parks, and enhancements to tourism infrastructure.

Key initiatives also focus on modernizing sports centers and expediting critical projects like the completion of the Fishing Shelter at Liopetri River. The comprehensive plan spans multiple sectors, including urban regeneration, business and tourism, education, and social welfare.

Calling for close cooperation between local authorities and stakeholders, Christodoulides urged collective efforts to fast-track these development initiatives and unlock the district’s full potential.

Planned projects

Road Network Improvement and Urban Regeneration Projects

  1. Improvement of the Main Road in Avgorou on Karyon Avenue – €9 million
  2. Construction of a Multi-Storey Parking Lot in Paralimni – €8 million
  3. Improvement and Upgrading of Ayia Napa’s Beachfront – €3.6 million
  4. Road Improvement Connecting Vrysoudion Street with Pinia Street – €4 million
  5. Construction of a Road from the Agios Panteleimonas Roundabout to the Church of Agia Varvara – €5 million
  6. Regulatory Plans for the 2nd Phase of the Improvements of Stadias Street, Giakoumi Papadopoulos Street, and Korai Street in Paralimni – €14 million
  7. 4th Phase of the Protaras Coastal Promenade – €18 million
  8. Redevelopment of the Traditional Core of Frenaros – €1.3 million
  9. Redevelopment of Paralimni Square – €11.2 million
  10. Creation of an Urban Multifunctional Park in Ayia Napa – €5 million
  11. Creation of a Linear Park in Aheritou – €1 million

Economy / Business / Tourism

  1. Incentive Plan in Catering – €700 thousand
  2. Plan for Enrichment Projects for Local Government Authorities – €300 thousand
  3. Creation of a Craft Area in Dasaki Achna – €250 thousand

Education

  1. Upgrading of Building Infrastructure of Paralimni High School – €5.5 million
  2. Construction of a New Paralimni High School – €15 million
  3. Operation of the School of Tourism Studies within the Framework of the MIEEK

Social Welfare

  1. Model Autism Center of Famagusta District – €4 million
  2. Expansion and Upgrading of the Nursery and Children’s Activity Center in Avgorou
  3. Additional Projects in the Region’s SKE – €140 thousand
  4. Intensive Daily Addiction Treatment Program – €1.5 million

Culture

  1. Transformation of the Ayia Napa Monastery into a Museum and Creation of a Research Center, Library, and Conference Rooms – €2.3 million
  2. Cultural and Conference Center Hall in the Municipality of Deryneia – €5 million
  3. Open-air Amphitheater in Avgorou – €1.5 million

Sport

  1. Upgrade: Sotiras Sports Center, Frenaros Sports Center, Liopetri Sports Center – €2 million
  2. Construction of a Public Sports Area in Achna – €2 million

EU Adopts New Package Travel Rules With 14-Day Refund Requirement

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The Council of the European Union adopted updated rules on package travel, introducing stricter requirements for refunds, transparency and consumer protection across member states. Updated provisions revise the existing directive and define obligations for travel providers offering bundled services such as flights, accommodation and transfers.

Clarifying The Package Travel Directive

The updated directive clarifies the definition of package travel and excludes certain linked travel arrangements from its scope. Coverage applies to services sold as a single product, including combinations of transport, accommodation and additional services. This revision standardizes how travel products are classified and clarifies rights and obligations for both providers and consumers at the point of purchase.

Enhancing Transparency And Consumer Rights

New rules require providers to disclose key information before and during travel, including payment terms, visa requirements, accessibility conditions and cancellation policies. These disclosures aim to reduce disputes and improve consumer awareness. Defined refund timelines include a 14-day period for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances and up to six months in cases of organiser insolvency. The measures address gaps identified in earlier versions of the directive.

Ensuring Accountability And Trust In Travel Services

Organisers must implement complaint-handling systems and provide clear information on insolvency protection under the updated framework. These provisions aim to improve accountability across the travel sector. Previous disruptions, including the collapse of Thomas Cook and travel restrictions during COVID-19, exposed weaknesses in refund processes and consumer protection. Updated rules respond to those issues.

Implications For Cyprus And The Broader Industry

Tourism accounts for approximately 14% of Cyprus’s GDP, with package travel playing a central role in visitor flows. Major operators such as TUI and Jet2 provide structured travel offerings that support demand. Such operators contribute to revenue stability and help extend the tourism season by securing transport and accommodation in advance. Greater regulatory clarity may support continued sector growth.

A Model For Future Consumer Protection

Clearer rules on vouchers, refunds and insolvency protection now apply across the European Union. These measures aim to reduce consumer risk in cross-border travel. Implementation across member states will determine the impact on both consumers and travel providers. The framework may influence future regulatory approaches in the sector.

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