Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Chief Scientist highlights Cyprus’ role as technology hub in New Delhi

 Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides participated in a recent Invest Cyprus event in New Delhi, India, aimed at promoting Cyprus as an emerging technology and innovation hub, as well as a reliable gateway for investments to and from Europe.

According to a press release, the 5 September meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy,  Nicodemos Damianou, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to India, Evagoras Vryonides, the CEO of Invest Cyprus, Marios Tannousis, the executives of PWC, Chrysilios Pelekanos, and Eurobank, Panayiotis Chrystostomou, as well as several entrepreneurs and potential investors from India.

Skourides had the opportunity to present the research, technology and innovation ecosystem of Cyprus, to highlight the incentives provided to attract investment and talent to the country, as well as the efforts made by the state to make Cyprus a hub for research, innovation and international entrepreneurship, stressing that Cyprus presents high levels of scientific excellence, as it has a remarkable research potential with significant achievements both at national and European level.

He also emphasised the notable research infrastructure of the Centres of Excellence that have been developed in Cyprus with co-funding by the European Commission, the services they provide and the important role they play in the development of the ecosystem, as well as the opportunities presented for the internationalisation of their services through new partnerships and investments from countries such as India.

It is added that Skourides held talks with over 30 stakeholders and provided a thorough briefing on the benefits of cooperation between entities from Cyprus and India, tax incentives, the funding programmes of the Research and Innovation Foundation which can be exploited, as well as the opportunities for access to the single European market from the country.

During his meetings, he identified and provided specific opportunities for cooperation with innovative companies in Cyprus, specialized in Fintech, Regtech, Healthtech, Agrofood and ICT, areas that are highlighted in the country’s Smart Specialization Strategy and are priorities of the Research and Innovation Strategy 2024, it is added.

It is also noted that the Director General of the Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation, Theodoros Loukaides, also travelled to New Delhi to participate in the one-day CII India-Mediterranean Business Conclave, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the participation of representatives from 28 countries. At the same time, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy led the Cypriot representation.

€50 Million Luxury Resort Planned For Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa could strengthen its position in the premium tourism market with a proposed €50 million mixed-use resort combining a hotel, serviced apartments, luxury bungalows and a beach club.

Aesara Investments Ltd has submitted an information form to the Department of Environment for a development to operate under the name Atlantica Wavemaster Hospitality. The project is planned for the Limnara area of Ayia Napa, along the coast south of Kryou Nerou Avenue, between the town centre and Cape Greco.

Hotel, Apartments And Luxury Bungalows

The proposed resort will include a 324-room hotel with capacity for 648 guests, alongside a condo-hotel building containing 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Facilities are planned to include restaurants, bars, cafés, a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, shops, a multipurpose hall, a children’s club and a cinema.

A further 33 three-level luxury bungalows, each designed for two guests and featuring a private swimming pool, are planned for the southern part of the site. A beach club with a restaurant and an outdoor pool complex covering more than 6,300 square metres will also form part of the development.

The project includes 321 parking spaces, including 12 for people with disabilities, and 14,196 square metres of landscaped green space featuring local plant species.

Seasonal Hotel Operations And Year-Round Residences

The hotel is expected to operate from March to November, with peak occupancy during the summer season. The condo-hotel apartments, meanwhile, will be available for sale or long-term rental and intended for year-round residence. Owners and tenants will also have access to the resort’s facilities, including its pools, restaurants and fitness areas.

Construction is expected to take 24 months once the required permits are secured. At the busiest stage, the project could employ around 100 workers per day.

Environmental Restrictions Near Cape Greco

The site’s proximity to protected Natura 2000 areas has prompted strict environmental requirements. The Cape Greco Special Protection Area borders the site to the south, while a Special Area of Conservation lies approximately 50 metres away.

Conditions imposed by the Department of Environment include a maximum building height of five floors, or 18.5 metres, and restrictions on permanent structures near the coastline. The project must also use spider-web type glazing and low-intensity lighting to minimise disturbance to local birdlife.

According to the project’s consultants, the design has been prepared to comply with the environmental conditions and the final report on cumulative impacts for the Cape Greco Special Protection Area. The hotel and apartment building are positioned in the central and northern parts of the plot, away from the shoreline.

Within the designated no-build zone, located 40 metres from the boundary of the beach protection zone, only swimming pools are planned. The consultants state that these are not expected to affect protected species in the area.

Aretilaw firm
Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter