Sources report that a new golf course is set to be created in the area of Ayia Napa.The plans are due to be available early next year. It is believed that the project will greatly boost the revitalization of the area ,which is result of pressure for new investment brought to bear on government by local entrepreneurs and individuals .It is certain that this kind of project will benefit existing owners in the area ,who should see the value of their properties rise significantly as a result of the interest it will generate.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW COURSES
Council of Ministers has approved a strategy for the development of golf courses based on the recommendations of a study.
In addition, Cyprus government has approved a set of relevant selection criteria, which serve as a basis for the examination of golf course development applications. The development of golf courses will undoubtedly contribute towards the enrichment and diversification of the tourist product, the alleviation of the seasonality problem, the attraction of a quality special interest market segment and the upgrading of the image of Cyprus as a quality tourist destination in the international market place.
In addition to the Strategy for Golf Course Development, the Tourism Strategy Plan to 2010 evaluates golf courses as supplementary tourist projects which add value to the tourist product and contribute towards the increase of per capita tourism expenditure and improvement in hotel occupancy rates, which in turn will improve their financial viability. Taking into consideration all relevant factors and constraints regarding the development of golf courses such as the use of land, water, environmental concerns and other factors, the strategy suggested the development of four to five international standard, 18-hole courses in Paphos district, and one each in Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia and the free area of Famagusta.
Thus, the aim is to have a total of 9 golf courses on the island.
FUTURE PROSPECTS In light of the attractive investment climate that Cyprus has to offer, as well as the potential benefits resulting from the island's accession to the EU, potential investors are undoubtedly presented with a window of opportunity not to be missed.
Considering that golf development on the island is at its embryonic stage, future potential investors could reap the benefits that will result when Cyprus completes its golf infrastructure and thus becomes a golfing destination.
There is a defined future for golf in Cyprus. A definite plus is the all year sunshine of the island, which means that golfers who find they cannot play in their own countries in winter, when their own courses are closed by ice and snow, can come to Cyprus. Their season ends around October, just when the golfing high season in Cyprus is getting under way.
The CTO participates in all major travel markets and golf fairs (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, and Britain) and organizes familiarization visits to the island for golf journalists and tour operators.
"We are confident that within a comparatively short period of time Cyprus will occupy an elevated spot on the world's golfing map. Who knows, in a few years' time we could be looking at a Cyprus Open on the European PGA Tour and a new Mecca for wandering golfers on the lovely Mediterranean island where Aphrodite made her home.
