The government’s announcements for the creation of 14 golf courts all over Cyprus are taking shape. CTO Chairman, Panos Egglezos told StockWatch that the works for the construction of the golf court in Geroskipou will start on September 30 and the project has been undertaken by the Zinon Eliades. “Six more companies in other areas will soon obtain the relevant urban permits. “The opening of golf courts will contribute significantly to the improvement of our tourist product and will deal with the seasonality problems”, Mr. Egglezos said.

Requirements

The main requirements in the government’s policy focus on their land-planning development. The project must be constructed in a land of more than 950 donums and the size of the court must exceed 400 donums. The building co-efficient and the rate of coverage in the plot must not exceed 20% of the total permissible building area and the public places must cover 10% - 15% of the total 100 sq. meters (green spaces and sports facilities).

Casino

As for the opening of a casino in Cyprus, Mr. Egglezos said that the CTO technocrats are currently reviewing two studies on the economic and social impacts that will possibly emerge. “As soon as the audit is brought into completion, the studies will be submitted to the Council of Ministers and will be forwarded to the Parliament”, Mr. Egglezos noted.

Conference Center in Limassol

The CTO Chairman also said that there are 6 areas that could host the conference center. “The issue has been undertaken by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry and we are optimistic that the final decision will be taken soon”, he stated.

Seasonability problems

Invited to comment on the problem of seasonality in the tourist, sector, Mr. Egglezos expressed his confidence that there will be signs of recovery soon. “ Via the religion and conference tourism, we hope that we will attract many tourists during winter”, he concluded.