Hotels in Cyprus can obtain permits for small-scale desalination units within a week and install them before the peak tourist season, the Water Development Department (WDD) said on Friday, responding to concerns about bureaucratic delays after a new scheme was announced this week.

The department was addressing statements from the Cyprus Hotel Association (Pasyxe) and the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (STEK), which claimed the process for setting up small desalination units in hotels was time-consuming.

The WDD highlighted that the subsidy scheme for hotel desalination units is potentially the first of its kind within the EU. Pasyxe was briefed on the final framework of the scheme before its implementation, it added.

Following discussions with industry representatives, adjustments were made to better meet hoteliers’ needs, the department said.

Hotels were granted the right to install desalination units for drinking water purposes in November 2024. The department noted that the simplified licensing framework enables approvals within a week from the submission of all required documents.

“Based on market consultations, it is feasible to install and begin operating small desalination units in a short timeframe, ahead of the summer peak season,” the WDD said, adding that many hoteliers had already expressed strong interest and were preparing their applications.

However, the department clarified that such installations are only viable for hotels located near the coast, particularly those on the beachfront.

“The construction of these units will benefit not only individual hotels but the entire tourism sector and Cypriot society. The water savings generated will free up additional supplies for the public water network, helping meet increased demand,” it concluded.