Breaking news

Sustainable Urban Mobility Transformation: Larnaca’s €19 Million Initiative Unveiled

Project Overview

Larnaca has embarked on a transformative journey in urban mobility with the official launch of its €19 million sustainable mobility project. This initiative, marked by the signing of a crucial construction contract at the Transport Ministry’s public works department, signals a significant advancement for the city’s infrastructure and public transport framework.

Legal Resolution And Contract Finalization

Previously mired in legal complexities, the project’s trajectory was restored following the annulment of the initial contract award. The administrative court invalidated the original tender due to irregular meeting sessions by the review authority. With these issues now resolved, the contract, valued at €18.34 million (excluding VAT), has been finalized with Araco Construction Cy Ltd. The project is set to commence in September 2025 and will span 16 months, concluding in January 2027.

Strategic Urban Mobility Enhancements

Financed through the Recovery and Resilience Plan alongside national resources, this project is a cornerstone of Larnaca’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). It aims to foster public transport, bolster multimodal connectivity, and enhance road safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life. Key facets include the reconstruction of road surfaces, the creation of dedicated bus lanes complete with modern bus stop infrastructure, and the development of approximately 22 km of state-of-the-art cycling lanes.

Comprehensive Infrastructure And Long-Term Sustainability

The project also emphasizes the modernization of pedestrian facilities through new and upgraded pavements, zebra and Pelican crossings, as well as cyclist-friendly intersections. Upgrades to traffic management systems, including new traffic lights and enhanced signage, are set to streamline urban navigation. Additionally, essential supporting systems such as drainage, road lighting, sewage management, irrigation for green spaces, and water supply structures form a fundamental component of the overall scheme.

As the initiative advances, Larnaca is poised to secure long-term economic and environmental benefits, solidifying its commitment to sustainable urban development and setting an industry benchmark for future urban mobility projects.

Cyprus Tourism Shows Strength As Clean Monday Hotel Bookings Surge

Hotels Embrace A Bright Outlook

Recent figures point to growing momentum in hotel reservations ahead of the Clean Monday weekend, signaling renewed confidence in Cyprus’ tourism sector. Christos Angelides, Director of PASYXE, emphasized the positive trend while also underscoring the need to gradually extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.

Favorable Conditions And Festive Spirit

Angelides noted that bookings recorded during the past weekend reached encouraging levels, a development attributed to multiple converging factors. The return of sunny weather after prolonged rainfall, coupled with the festive aura of carnival events and children’s parades in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, has motivated many to opt for short getaways. This seasonal momentum is further boosted by the strategic initiatives of local hotels, many of which are curating special menus for Clean Monday events, offering guests an enhanced stay experience by keeping them on-premise.

Positioning For The Off-Season

Despite the positive indicators, Angelides cautioned that average occupancy rates of 25%–30% highlight the need for continued innovation rather than complacency. He described the current period as part of a longer process of building winter tourism and pointed to opportunities in conferences, corporate events and niche travel segments as potential drivers of year-round demand.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Collective Ecosystem

Industry expectations are further supported by expanded air connections from established markets such as the United Kingdom and Israel, alongside increased routes from Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. While recovery in the German market remains gradual, broader improvements in connectivity continue to strengthen overall tourism prospects. Angelides added that sustainable year-round tourism depends on a wider ecosystem that extends beyond accommodation to include restaurants, museums, cultural venues and community events.

The Path Forward

Cyprus continues to benefit from strong competitive advantages in climate, accessibility and hospitality infrastructure. With coordinated planning across tourism stakeholders and consistent investment in diversified offerings, the sector is positioned to contribute more steadily to the national economy and support a more balanced, all-season travel model.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter