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Sodap Endorses Coastal Lease Paving Way For Kanika’s Five-Star Hotel Investment

A Historic Shareholder Resolution

Sodap, the distinguished wine cooperative, has secured unanimous shareholder approval for a long-term lease of its prized coastal property in Kato Paphos. This decisive vote clears the path for Kanika to commence construction of a five-star hotel, marking a transformative chapter for both the organization and the region’s hospitality landscape.

Comprehensive Lease Agreement and Financial Terms

An agreement valued in the tens of millions of euros was finalized at the renowned Sodap winery in the Stroumpi–Polemi area, setting the framework for the lease of the beachfront plot at Kato Paphos. Under the terms of this 66-year agreement, Sodap is set to earn significant rental income, bolstering the cooperative’s financial sustainability.

For the initial 15 years, the cooperative will receive an annual rent of €800,000 with a 2.5% annual increase. Thereafter, from year 16 onward, the rent rises to €1.6 million per annum, similarly subject to a yearly adjustment of 2.5%. Additionally, an upfront bonus of €500,000 is slated for payment upon signing. The latter 33 years of the lease hinge on the tenant’s adherence to its financial commitments during the first half of the term.

Strategic Investments and Operational Realignment

Kanika’s commitment to invest an estimated €53 million in the construction of a hotel boasting at least 285 beds underscores the strategic importance of the lease. The strong turnout at the general meeting — with over 220 voting shareholders and only seven dissenting votes — underscores the consensus on the developmental direction of the property.

Addressing the meeting, Sodap’s new director, Yiangos Tsivikos, candidly acknowledged the serious financial and operational challenges facing the cooperative. He pointed to longstanding issues, including uncollected sums from partners and inadequate infrastructure, such as limited storage capacity. Tsivikos emphasized that immediate reorganization and resolution of these legacy challenges are vital to ensuring Sodap’s sustainable development.

Looking Ahead

This agreement not only initiates a significant revenue stream for Sodap but also represents a forward-looking investment in local economic vitality. As Kanika embarks on developing what promises to be a landmark hospitality project, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to assess the broader implications for regional development and financial restructuring.

New Operating Hours Law To Transform Cyprus Hospitality Industry

Legislative Overhaul Targets Sectoral Modernization

The parliamentary Energy Committee is reviewing a proposal that could significantly reshape operating hours for hospitality and entertainment venues across Cyprus. The initiative also includes provisions for the establishment of recreational centres and is intended to close existing regulatory gaps while strengthening the competitiveness of the tourism and dining industries.

Industry Categorization and Operational Adjustments

The draft law introduces a new classification of service venues and adjusts operating schedules according to season. Following strong reactions from professional associations and other stakeholders, the government revised the bill before its submission for closed-door committee discussions. In line with parliamentary procedure, the detailed debate and final amendments will be decided exclusively by elected members of parliament.

Seasonal Flexibility And Specific Amendments

Under the revised proposal, pubs and bars would operate on different seasonal timetables. From May 1 to September 30, opening hours would run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with an extension until 3:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. From October 1 to April 30, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, while weekend hours would extend until 3:00 AM. These changes replace earlier rules that allowed restaurants, taverns, cafés, pizzerias and snack bars to operate from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM.

Refined Hours For Entertainment Venues

The legislation also sets updated schedules for event halls, reception venues and music or dance centres. During the summer period, these establishments would be permitted to operate from 8:00 PM to 2:30 AM on weekdays and Sundays, with later closing times on weekends. In winter, weekday and Sunday operations would end at 2:00 AM, again with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Earlier drafts proposed uniform early closures, but the revised version introduces more flexibility to better reflect market demand.

Local Authority Flexibility

Municipal councils would retain the right to temporarily adjust operating hours for recreational venues for up to six months per year. This provision is designed to give local authorities room to respond to tourism peaks, festivals or regional economic needs while maintaining a consistent national framework.

Final approval of the reform is expected to come from the full House of Representatives, with the bill scheduled for submission before the April session ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

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