Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Cyprus And Egypt Join Forces To Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment

Cyprus and Egypt are strengthening their collaboration to advance women’s economic empowerment, particularly in the tourism sector, and to support women’s rights initiatives. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Cooperation, reflects a shared commitment to promoting gender equality and increasing women’s participation in decision-making roles.

Strategic Cooperation For Gender Equality

On February 17, Cyprus’ Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, met with Amal Ammar, President of Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW), in Cairo to discuss the implementation of the agreement, which was originally signed on January 8, 2025, during the Cyprus-Egypt Intergovernmental Summit. The discussions focused on practical strategies to empower women in tourism and reinforce support systems, including the Women’s Complaints Bureau.

Christodoulou provided an update on Cyprus’ National Strategy for Gender Equality, detailing government-led initiatives to ensure equal opportunities for women and men. Meanwhile, Ammar highlighted Egypt’s efforts to increase female representation in leadership positions, enhance economic opportunities, and combat gender-based violence.

A Roadmap For Action

Beyond policy discussions, both leaders explored tangible ways to implement the memorandum, ensuring that gender equality initiatives translate into real economic and social impact. The collaboration between Egypt’s NCW and Cyprus’ Gender Equality Commissioner’s Office is set to drive concrete programs aimed at advancing women’s roles in the workforce, fostering entrepreneurship, and providing legal and institutional support for women facing challenges.

This cross-border initiative marks a significant step toward greater female participation in key industries and reinforces both nations’ dedication to building inclusive economies where women have equal opportunities to thrive.

€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