It may have taken two decades,but  the wait could prove to have been well worth with.

Described as that will be ‘ the jewel marina resort  of the eastern Mediterranean’, the long-anticipated Makronissos Marina aims to be landmark, outperforming many established marinas worldwide. Set in a secure environment ,the project developers promise to deliver, among other things, ample green spaces, sports grounds, swimming pools, water features, walkways, plazas, a heliport, a yacht club and a crew lounge while all the residents will have the choice to call upon the hotel type services available at all the times.

‘’ It has been a long and hard struggle to get to the signatures for this deal’’, Ayia Napa Mayor Antonis Tsokkos told .’’ This is something historic for Ayia Napa and for Cyprus and will greatly boost tourism in the area. The construction of this marina will hopefully make the community of Ayia Napa much stronger.’’

Locals  residents are also in favour of the new marina.

‘’I think it ‘s fantastic for the area’’, said local resident  Dan Healy.’’ Ayıa Napa needs a good marina and I think this is a really smart move by the government. Tourism in general could do with a boost in Cyprus and marinas are certainly the right way to go about it.’’

With the works set to cost around euro220m on the 30.000sq metres of land, the new luxury marina will provide 600berths for yachts up to 60 metres in length.

Undertaking the project will be MM Makronisos Ltd. – a consortium made up  of Caramondani Bros., Atlas Pantou, G&A Toumazis, Fama Marina and CCI of Famagusta. Boaters will be offered the best possible facilities and amenities both on land and in the water. There will also be a 10,500 square metre yard area for maintenance and repair services.

In a written announcement, the contractors say’’ the residential development will also be equally unique and exceptional with  state of the art architecture satisfying today’s discerning buyers’ needs and preferences It comprises a selection of proprieties: 53 luxury detached houses situated  on  two exclusive sandy beaches,222 modern apartments on two high rise buildings and 20 town houses. All properties enjoy unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea.

‘’Furthermore, in the marina’s commercial centre ( buildings 4,900 square metres),a lively and rejuvenating area, one will be able to find a selection of dining, entertainment and wellness providers’’.

Getting the final contracts signed to move ahead with contracting the marina was a pain-staking process said Commerce Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis during the signing ceremony last month. The contracts related to administrative and employment agreements as well as to  agreements concerning the management of the marina.

The Cypriot government had been advised by Greek architectural firm Antonopoulus-Rogan Associates in the early nineties to explore the possibility of opening up marinas as a means to  boost its  nautical tourism infrastructure.

The government, agreed but efforts to actually get the marinas up and running had for years been hampered by what former Cyprus Tourism Organisation Chairman Panos Englezos described as ‘’ gigantic bureaucratic procedures not allowing the enforcement of the projects. ’’Six ministers and two different governments later, the  groundwork has finally been laid down for construction to begin on the new Ayia Napa marina while other there are also in the pipeline else where on the island.

‘’Our aim is to continuously expand our horizons with regards to tourism and marinas are a vital part of that vision’’ , commented the minister.’’ It has taken many years to get to where we are today. We have so for managed to move ahead with two of the five  marinas planned –in Limassol and now in Ayia Napa’’. And with the current economic climate, the constraction of a new  marina couldn’t come any sooner. The property market is at an all-time low and the Cypriots government is desperately trying to reach out to more overseas property buyers.They will be hopping that the new marina could help kick-start demand.

One of the men behind MM Makronisos Ltd.- Stavros Caramondani-outlined the next steps with regards to construction .

‘’The master-plan has been approved but it  will take around two years to receive the necessary buildings permits as well as approval from departments such as Town Planning.’’

The bulldozers are expected to break ground in April 2014.Already, as  is clearly visible, no time was wasted in constructing roads and walkways where the marina is set to be built.

‘’The fact that the lighting and the access roads leading into the marina are already in place is an absolute first for Cyprus. This is obviously something very  positive for the marina when you consider, for example, other construction like the GSP which had access roads built  many years later ‘’.

A new sewage system for the area has also been set-up. The overall duration of the works is expected to take up to three years and will open up  3,000 jobs once completed.

Meanwhile, the Limassol Marina is set to open at the end of this year, providing 1,000 berths up to 115 metre while there are also plans to get marinas up and running in Paphos,Paralimni and Larnaca.

Related posts:

 As an expensive destination, Cyprus needs to offer a better product to tourists, an industry Professional said this week.

Tui Nordic product and purchasing manager Jan  Knutola said: Cyprus is an expensive destination for  tourists and this  increases customers expetations.

It is important to remember that customers are not choosing between different hotels and  products  in Cyprus but they are choosing from products worldwide.

If we charge a higher rate than Greece, Turkey or Spain, we need to deliver a beter product, he added.

Knutola was in Cyprus to  address a meeting  of Tui Nordic with local suppliers and  authorities at the  Thalassa Museum in Ayia Napa.

His view is that  important details in tourism establishments make life easy for tourists.

WiFi in public places and hotels are an obvious thing to expect.

Safety and security in Ayia Napa needs to be addressed even more.Beaten up customers do not come out positive in Nordic media,whoever’s  fault it is.

Cyprus also requeries an environmental plan and policy which will be communicated and lived up to,proving the island is taking responsability and sustainability.According to Knutolia, Cyprus is one of Tui Nordic’s top five summer destinations where the organisation has chosen to invest.But Cyprus also needs to develop alternative facilities and activities to complement its sunbeach-nightlife product.These would involve sport  facilities  and infrastructure.

He acknowledged that Tui Nordic customers enjoyed Cypriot hospitality and the way of life as well as the island’s ‘’ pretty safe environment’’ and sunny wheather.

He was optimistic Tui Nordic would have a good future in the long run in Cyprus ‘’ as long as infrastucture and quality investments are made.

‘’Tui  Nordic  brings some 120,000 customers per year to Cyprus and we operate on a year-round  basis although arrive during the summer season.

He sees a potential for stable long term growth provided rates and product development are satisfying.

‘’ The major attraction for our customers is stil sun and beaches but customers’ interest is changing in favour of more active holidays that include let’s say trekking,tennis ,horseback riding,football,diving, golf e.t.c.’’

Interest in cultural activities,such as visiting ancient sites and learning about their history,wine production and local  food production,is also on the increase.

Knutola ‘s message to Cyprus is that ‘’ we need to upgrade the quality of our products with a focus on hotels.The purpose of the meeting of Tui Nordic leadership with local suppliers  and local  authorities in Cyprus was to present  its Blue Award to the best quality hotels for last year and make a presentation and an update of  their presence in Cyprus and future plans.

‘’ Our aim is to build bridges and boost collaborations with our local partners’’,Knutola said.

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest News About Cyprus

Related posts:

BirdLife Cyprus is  currently the most active conservation organisation in Cyprus, running campaigns against illiegal bird trapping  and poaching and for the designation and protection of Important Bird Areas as Special Protection Areas, as well as campaigns in the area of agriculture, education and awareness-raising. Furthermore , BirdLife Cyprus implements or takes part in a plethora of other programmes, such as a LIFE Oroklini project for the restoration and management of the Oroklini Lake, and the ‘Gypas’ Project for the recovery of the extremely reduced Cypriot population of Griffon Vultures, carried out under the Cross-border Cooperation Programme Greece-Cyprus (2007-2013).

If you would like to know more about Cyprus’birds or are interested in joining BirdLife Cyprus, please visit www.birdlife-cyprus.org

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest News About Cyprus

Related posts:

‘’Taking into account the state of instability in the northern part of Mali due to an on-going revolt, the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus are advised to avoid all but essential travel to certain areas and follow local or international news reports on the political and other developments in the country,’’ a press  release said.

‘’Additionally, taking into account the state of instability in Guinea Bissau due to a military coup d’etat, Cypriot citizens are advised to avoid non essential travel to the country,’’ it added.

In case of emergency, the ministry advises that the representation of the European Union is contacted at:

Delegation of the European Union in Mali, UATT Building, 4th Floor, River District, BP 115 Bamako, call 44 92 92 92, fax 44919191, email delegation mali@eeas.europa.eu or delegation-malipresse@eeas.europa.eu

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest News About Cyprus

Related posts:

For the second year running, Dr Rowald Hepp from Schloss Vollrads Reisling Estate in Germany presided over the jury panel: Tom Cannavan (scotland), Jean-Luc Berger(France), David Seijas(Spain), Maria Tzitzi (Greece), Tamas Oroszlan (Hungary), Denis Roudenko (Russia),Vassos Manoli(Cyprus) and Miroslav Kalanic (Serbia); the nine person jury, all experts and highly esteemed Professional in the field of oenology and viniculture, tasted and evaluated the wines in a three day closed tasting session in Le Meridien Resort and Spa, Limassol, which culminated in the Grand Awards presentation at the Gala Dinner last Saturday.

Adding further to the prestigious occasion, this year’s competition was held under the auspices of the International Organisation of Vine(IOV), whose director, Federico Castelluci, attended the event, and spoke of the ‘’incredible evolution in quality of Cyprus Wines in recent years.. so much so that no bronze medals have been awarded this year only silver and gold.’’

This accreditation highlighted both the strict protocol and procedures in place throughout the Cyprus competition and ensured the integrity of the final result awarded.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dr Hepp said ‘’thank you to the Cyprus Wine Coıncil for a perfectly set up, very Professional wine tasting; we taste wine by wine, this is one of the few wine competitions around the world where this is done.

Follow Cyprus Guide  For Latest news About Cyprus

Related posts:

Other changes, including fees and an increase in the minimum driving ages of certain groups, are expected to be applied even earlier.

House Communications Committee Chairman Antonis Antoniou said Cyprus was in danger of being fined by the EU if it does not immediately make plans to harmonise its driving laws with those of other member states.

‘’For this reason the suggestions made today will be put before the plenum as soon as possible,’’ said the chairman.

According to the new bill, instead of expiring on the driver’s 70th birthday, licences will have to be renewed after 15 years for motorcycles and cars.

For buses and heavy goods vehicles licences will need to be renewed every 5 years.

Significant changes will also be introduced as regard to the age requirement for motorcycle licences.

For mopeds and scooters the driving age will remain 18, however, for highpowered motorcycles drivers will need to be 22-years-old with two years driving experience or 24 with no prior experience.

The minimum age for the latter category is currently 18.

In addition, the minimum driving age for cars will remain 18, however the lowest age for driving a bus will rise from 21 to 24 and from 18to21 for heavy good vehicles.

‘’There will also be changes in the fees for purchasing certain licences,’’ added Antoniou.

A car licence will still cost €60, however, under the new legislation the application fee for a  learner’s licence will increase from €5.10 to €20 while the actual learners licence will increase from €8.50 to €60.

In addition the cost of an international licence will increase from €25.60 to €40.

Meanwhile, all new drivers will be issued plastic driving licences by the Road Transport Department as of January 19, 2013, while paper licences will remain valid for current holders until 2033.

According  to Antoniou, the new flexible,plastic credit-card style driving licences, which are commonplace in most EU countries, will have a photograph and  are designed to reduce the risk of fraud.

Disy deputy Andreas Michaelides welcomed the harmonisation of the driving law but also criticised the committee for not examining the bill at an earlier date.

‘’It should have been examined on January19, 2011 but instead it was submitted on April 26, 2012. The MP also expressed concern over the increase in driving licence and application fees.‘’such increases are overly step especially during a time of economic crisis.’’

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest News About Cyprus

Related posts:

A Tulip Fun Day was organized on April 7th Saturday at Chateau Lambousa Hotel. The day was organized on behalf of the Lapta Municipality, The Society of the Protection of Birds and Nature in Northern Cyprus, the Society fort he Protection of Marine Turtles in Northern Cyprus and Chateau Lambousa Hotel.

Approximately 150 people of all ages attended the funfilled day. Stands were set displaying hand arts and gifts alongside snacks and refreshments. A Spring Race was also organized on the day. The race started at Chateau Lambousa Hotel continuing through the areas of the Lapta Police station, the village coffee area and the main road in which participants made there way back to the hotel.

‘’Our aim is to create awareness’’

The Lapta Municipality’s Mayor Fuat Namsoy stated during his opening speech that the aim of the organization was to enable people of all cultures to socialize amongst eachother whilst also creating awareness towards the Cancer Patients Association and the Society for  the Protection of Marine Turtles in Northern Cyprus in which the collected income was donated to. Followed by the Mayors speech James Green, who spoke on behalf of the organization committe, stated their appreciation for the interest shown towards the day.

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest News About Cyprus

Related posts:

More than one billion people are expected to participate in simultaneous activities and events around the world on Sunday April 22, bringing people of all nationalities and backgrounds together, with a common interest; they will be voicing their appreciation fort he planet and demanding its protection for a sustainable future.

The global event hopes to rally individuals, organisations, and governments to do their part whilst locally, the Cyprus Woman of Today will be running their own Earth Day campaign which will include everything from children’s fun activities, to entertaining craft and stall workshops teaching awareness on how to use recyclable materials and other environmental issues.

Secretary of the CWOT                organisation, Irene Saboggha , said ‘’The main aim of Earth Day is to focus on the importance of environmental issues around the world and help raise awareness about our planet, what we can all do to help protect it’’.

The organisers of Limassol’s Earth Day celebrations have asked if parents coming to the event can bring two empty toilet roll centres, a large empty, clean plastic milk bottle or juice carton, for each of their children, to make sure everyone gets the chance to create something special.

The event is being held at Kalevounari Park in Polemida from 10.30am to 1pm on Sunday April 22.

The venue is near Limassol General Hospital close to Anorthosi Football Club. For further details visit the website: www.cypruswot.org or Facebook page: Earth Day 2012 for Children.

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest news About Cyprus

Related posts:

In Cyprus, the organisation also has a long, well established history; it was set up in the 1950’s and today has Lodges in Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol.

Ray Lish, RAOB’s Provincial Grand Primo or Head ‘Buff’ as he is known, said ‘’We support many charities both worldwide and locally; last year we raised  £3,600 for  the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London and €1.500 for the Riding fort he Disabled Charity in Limassol. This year we have chosen the Infant Welfare Association of Limassol as our main charity’’.

Founded in 1937, the IWA of Limassol provides milk, nappies and much needed esswntial foodstuffs, clothing, toys and general support for underprivileged mothers and parents in need of assistance.

The charity is stil going strong despite no government funding or state aid, and survives on charitable donations alone.

It is bades in the original premises built for it within the grounds of the old General Hospital in Limassol which is run by unpaid volunteers. The RAOB is supporting the charity through donations of Formula milk, nappies and basics essential children’s furniture and toys as well as collecting staple foodstuffs such as pasta, rice and non-perishable items as well as clothing for both mothers and babies. Anyone wishing to contribute items can do so at the collection point at the United Kingdom Citizens Association (UK-CA) clubhouse.

Soulla Herotokritou, President of the IWA of Limassol said ‘’ We are very grateful fort he assistance Ray and his association, the RAOB are giving us.

The families we help are very much in need of basics for their young children and many of them are literally depending on us for their nappies and formula milk to feed their young. Without these donations it would be so difficult to help them.’’

The Limassol area ‘Buffs’ meet at the Limassol UKCA clubhouse forthnightly on alternate Sunday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00 hours and every Wednesday evening from 18.00 to 20.00 hours.

For more information, visit the websites: www.raob-cyprus.org and www.hoalt.org or contact the IWA direct on: 25356204.

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest News About Cyprus

Related posts:

But their motives for making organic, sustainable and biodynamic wine may be more personal than business, although the practices also improve the quality of the wines.

‘’Most of the wineries are family-owned businesses and they saw this as a better way to farm. They wanted to pass on healthier farms and businesses to the next generation,’’ said Gladys Horiuchi, a spokeswoman for the California Wine Institute.

She added that more than two-thirds of California’s acreage and production is certified as sustainable.

Chris Millard, winemaker for Napa’s Newton Vineyards, famed for its unfiltered Chardonnays, said it is very expensive to be organic.

‘’We are not organic. We are not biodynamic. We’re not green. We’re sustainable,’’ he said.

‘’And by that I mean that we encompass the whole business of making wine. Being sustainable in the vineyard and taking care of the land.’’

For Millard sustainable means taking care of the land, and the people who grow the grapes and maket he wine, and earning enough tos tay in business.

Organic Wines are grown without pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Each country has different criteria for certification and some wineries are organic, but red tape and additional costs, inhibit them from filing for certification.

Biodynamic wines follow the principles of biodynamic agriculture, which stem from the ideas of early 20th century Austrian philosopher and architect Rudolf Steiner, who argued for understanding the ecological and spiritual in nature.

Biodynamic producers care for their vines, pruning and picking them according to the phases of the moon.

Gina Gallo, winemaker fort he world’s largest winery, E&J Gallo,said, her grandfather Julio was one of the biggest organic farmers in California.

‘’ My grandfather just believed that if he’s going to have it on the table, it was like the food on the table coming from the garden,’’ she explained. ‘’And today, we stil use a lot of similar approaches.’’

Mike Benziger of Sonoma’s Benziger  Family Winery, combiness all three practices in his wine production.

‘’It does take more of an effort to farm, in the beginning, using biodynamics or organic practices. You have to invest in the knowledge, learning how to do it,’’ he said,adding his family produces certified sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines.

‘’For us, we found that certification is important because the consumer wants it,’’ said Benziger, who with his family produces about 150,000 cases of wine a year.

Follow Cyprus Guide For Latest News About Cyprus

Related posts: