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Cyprus’ Mountain Villages Are Becoming Hotspots For Investors

Once overlooked, Cyprus’ mountain villages are now attracting serious investor attention, fueled by the ambitious restoration of the iconic Berengaria Hotel in Prodromos. Developers and international buyers are shifting their focus to Platres, Agros, and Kakopetria, drawn by fresh opportunities in high-altitude hospitality and tourism.Andreas Mandalas, president of the Pasyxe Mountain Resorts Committee, confirms a surge in interest. “The Berengaria project has been a catalyst. Platres and Kakopetria, in particular, are seeing renewed investment,” he told. “Forest Park and Penteli in Platres have been sold, Petit Palais has been renovated, and Nea Elvetia is undergoing restoration. Investors are now eyeing Kakopetria as a fully-fledged tourist destination.”

The Berengaria redevelopment is spearheaded by real estate firm BBF, with Thanos Hotels set to take over management. Andronikos Spyrou, the project’s manager, highlighted the wider potential of the Prodromos area. “We’ve made a significant investment in Berengaria and have already submitted plans for additional projects in the region.”

A Wave Of Capital Flowing Into Agros and Kakopetria

The investment boom extends beyond Prodromos. In Agros, the historic Rodon Hotel recently changed ownership, with Hong Kong-based investor Balram Chainrai acquiring an 87.85% stake following a public takeover bid. Meanwhile, Kakopetria is actively courting investors to revive dormant hotel properties.

“We’re looking for investors to breathe new life into hotels that have been inactive for years,” said Iakovos Papaphilippou, president of the Kakopetria community council. Property sales in the area are picking up, and infrastructure improvements are adding to the region’s appeal. “The Astromeritis–Evrychou road will be completed this year, and the Kokkinotrimithia–Astromeritis road is set for completion by 2029. These projects will unlock further investment potential.”

A €100M Development Pipeline In Platres

Pano Platres is another village transforming, with projects worth over €100 million in progress. According to Dimitris Papatheodotou, secretary of the local community council, demand for land is surging. “Investors need state support to expedite building permits and land divisions. When interest grows, our forested land is preserved rather than left abandoned.”

While tourism is the main economic driver, Papatheodotou stresses the need for year-round livability. “Infrastructure upgrades, an improved Limassol–Platres road, and better educational and childcare facilities will help attract permanent residents and sustain growth.”

Government-Backed Revitalization And Private-Sector Momentum

These developments align with the government’s broader mountain community strategy, aimed at revitalization and improved quality of life. According to a report from the mountain development commissioner, 280 government initiatives are currently being implemented, spanning infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Roadworks led by the Ministry of Transport are enhancing accessibility, while investments in agriculture, waste management, and fire prevention are strengthening local resilience. But while public funding lays the groundwork, private capital is driving real progress.

“Quality hotels, boutique guesthouses, wineries, and agritourism ventures are not only creating jobs but also reinvigorating the local economy,” the commissioner’s report states.

The Future Of Cyprus’ Mountain Villages: Sustainable, Livable, And Thriving

A key priority is keeping younger generations from migrating to cities. “Supporting youth entrepreneurship and creating new opportunities will be essential to reversing urban sprawl,” the commissioner noted.

With its rich natural beauty and cultural heritage, rural Cyprus holds vast potential for sustainable tourism and local production. “With the right investment and strategic cooperation, these mountain communities can become beacons of sustainable development—offering a high quality of life for residents and unforgettable experiences for visitors.”

Meta Unveils Advanced Scam Detection Initiatives Across Its Platforms

Meta Strengthens Its Defense Against Digital Scams

Meta has introduced a series of new security tools aimed at reducing online scams across its platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger. The update focuses on detecting suspicious activity earlier and warning users before fraudulent interactions escalate, as digital scams continue to evolve across social networks and messaging services.

Enhanced Friend Request Alerts On Facebook

New warning systems currently being tested on Facebook are designed to flag suspicious friend requests. The system evaluates signals such as a lack of mutual connections or unusual geographic origins. When these indicators appear, users receive alerts encouraging them to review the request more carefully before accepting. The feature aims to help users identify potentially fraudulent profiles and avoid interactions with scammers.

Preventing Device Linking Fraud On WhatsApp

Additional protections are being introduced on WhatsApp through new device-linking alerts. These notifications target scams in which fraudsters impersonate organizers of competitions or promotional campaigns and ask users to visit phishing websites.

Victims are typically instructed to enter their phone number and a device linking code, which allows scammers to gain access to their accounts. The new warning messages explain these tactics and alert users before the linking process is completed.

AI-Driven Scam Detection On Messenger

Messenger will also receive expanded scam detection capabilities powered by artificial intelligence. The system analyzes conversation patterns and identifies potential warning signs, such as suspicious job offers or requests for personal information. If the system detects scam-like behavior, users receive prompts suggesting that they block or report the account. Additional information about common scam techniques may also be displayed to help users better understand the risks.

Progress In Combating Online Fraud

Meta also shared data highlighting the scale of its anti-scam efforts. According to the company, more than 159 million scam advertisements were removed across its platforms over the past year, with 92% blocked before they were reported by users.

The company also removed 10.9 million Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to organized scam networks, reflecting continued investment in automated detection systems designed to disrupt coordinated fraud operations.

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