Paphos municipality and Tepak pave the way for local tourism and hospitality industry

Paphos Municipality, Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) and the Cyprus government have finally reached a significant milestone concerning the establishment of a school of tourism and hospitality management in Paphos, after two and a half years of talks.

The modern and innovative institute will include two academic departments, and a college offering tertiary level education that will meet the professional needs of its students in the fields of tourism, travel and hospitality industries, business management and new technology.

In his address, Paphos mayor, Phedonas Phedonos said the establishment of the school will support both Paphos and Cyprus’ tourism industry. “Our aim is to create a third pillar of economic and social activity, alongside tourism and construction, by focusing on higher education,” he added.

According to the mayor, educational institutions are a tool for the advancement of humanity, contributing to social and economic development. “Paphos is fast becoming a centre for higher education studies,” he said. “We have plans to build more educational institutions that will act as ‘engines’ for innovations and ‘catalysts’ for sustainable development.”

The Paphos municipality has agreed to provide the land for a lease period of 99 years, at a ground rent of €1,000 per annum, for the facility to be developed. The municipality will also undertake the construction of the institute, which will be funded by the state through European funds amounting to €7.6 million, aimed for completion by 2023.

“Construction of the facility will begin soon,” a municipal spokesperson told the Cyprus Mail. “Upon completion, the school will have capacity to accommodate more than 1,000 students.”

Phedonos thanked President Anastasiades for the government’s contribution, as well as the Cyprus ministry of education and culture, the board of directors at Tepak (past and present), and the Paphos municipality staff for working towards the finalisation of the agreement.