The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has announced that the issue of the island's marinas is entering its final stage, with the proclamation of an international competition for the development, operation, management and use of five marinas with the BOT system (Build, Operate, Transfer).

An official announcement of the Ministry states the following:

The Paphos Marina will be constructed at "Potima" area in Kissonerga and will have a capacity of 1.000 vessels.

The Limassol Marina will be built to the west of the old port and will also have a capacity of 1.000 vessels.

The Ayios Raphael Marina in Limassol will continue to operate with a capacity of 250 vessels.

In Larnaca, the existing Marina will be extended so that its current capacity of 450 vessels will expand to 1.000 vessels.

The Ayia Napa Marina will be constructed at "Loumata" area and will have a capacity of 600 vessels.

The Paralimni Marina will be built near the fishing shelter and will have a capacity of 250 vessels.

According to the press release, the marinas will help enhance maritime tourism, which will serve strategic goals for enriching the island's tourist product and improving seasonality.

The marinas of Cyprus are expected to have a comparative advantage to those of Greece, Turkey and Israel, due to the island's geographic position.

The projects are also expected to enhance other activities such as maritime sports and off-coast cruises, and create new jobs in the sectors of repairing, maintaining and servicing vessels.

The proclamation of the competition is published in the government's official gazette and in local and international newspapers.

All interested tenders may obtain the necessary documents from the Ministry of Commerce in Nicosia. The deadline for the tenders is November 29.