The Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evep) has called for “urgent and coordinated” state support to implement major infrastructure projects and advance the strategic development of the city and district.

It also highlighted the need for new value-added initiatives to “secure Paphos’ long-term growth and competitiveness“.

Speaking at the Property Show Pafos ’25, held under the theme of “The Present and Future of Paphos Development,” Evep president George Mais stressed that “although progress has been made in recent years, Paphos still lacks the necessary public investment to fully realise its development potential”.

“We believe that we can further enrich our infrastructure and make our region more attractive for both local and foreign visitors and investors,” he stated.

A key proposal by the chamber is the creation of a modern marina in Paphos, which, according to Mais, would “significantly strengthen the region’s tourism offering and attract wealthy individuals to berth their vessels, invest, and settle in the area”.

He also pointed to the importance of improving the airport’s connectivity and capacity.

The Evep president did mention that the government has reached an agreement with Hermes Airports for the expansion of terminal facilities, the creation of a VIP lounge in the old airport building, and that discussions on a new road connection are in an advanced stage.

Moreover, Mais said that efforts are also underway to improve the wider road network, public transport, and the overall quality of services provided to residents and visitors.

He further underlined the need to promote Paphos’ tourism brand more aggressively abroad and to ensure the city remains competitive.

While acknowledging that the issue of seasonality has been addressed more effectively in Paphos than in other parts of Cyprus, he insisted that further efforts are required.

“Certainly, the private sector in Paphos has contributed significantly to achieving these goals,” he said.

“Which is why we are now seeing new, noteworthy tourism projects and many investments in land development, education, and healthcare,” he added.

Evep, he affirmed, “welcomes these private initiatives and considers them integral to the city’s ongoing development”.

He also said that the chamber believes that “Paphos is suited to a wide range of tourism types and special interest activities, including leisure, agritourism, religious, cultural, and sports tourism, and that the region offers investment opportunities across diverse sectors”.

Mais stresed that with such comparative advantages, what remains is “for us to move forward with the necessary initiatives to reshape our region, enrich our infrastructure, and create new value-added projects”.

He pledged that the chamber “will continue working closely with all relevant stakeholders to achieve these strategic objectives and expressed optimism about the future of Paphos”.

Moreover, he stated that the chamber’s broader mission includes continuous quality upgrades to tourism, attracting more foreign investors, and encouraging rational development throughout the district.

He stated that this threefold goal can only be achieved “if we, as local stakeholders, manage to convince the government to promote new development projects in our city and district, thereby creating new infrastructure and modernising existing ones, which will attract foreign tourists and investors and improve the living conditions of residents”.

Addressing persistent administrative and bureaucratic challenges, Mais pointed out the serious delays businesses face in licensing and approvals.

He noted that this particularly apparent when dealing with the Paphos district administration office (Eoa) and other state services.

What is more, he announced that the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), along with all district chambers, is planning a meeting with the Interior Minister, with the sole agenda of addressing problems related to the Eoa.

Speaking directly to Charalambos Pittokopitis, president of the Paphos district administration office, who was present at the conference, Mais acknowledged his efforts but stressed that “people cannot wait”.

He added that he was “conveying the urgency felt by local entrepreneurs and citizens” and calling for greater action.