Filenews 23 June 2022 - by Natasha Christoforou
Impressive are the projects carried out so far at the Ayia Napa marina, which aspires to change the landscape in the Southeastern Mediterranean and give new impetus to maritime tourism throughout the region. The goal of M.M. Makronisos Marina Ltd, which was founded in April 2012 and is the common vision of two investors, the Cypriot Gerasimos Karamontanis and the Egyptian Naguib Sawiris, is to create an autonomous ecosystem of living, entertainment and entertainment, while at the same time providing very high quality services.
Celebrating the inauguration of the Ayia Napa marina on Tuesday afternoon, from the extremely impressive Event Center, the President of the Republic, spoke of an emblematic project that will change the tourist landscape of Cyprus and beyond. Nicos Anastasiades said he was impressed by the quality of the project and praised the world-class international sailing facilities, the luxurious residences and the multipurpose entertainment venues offered by the marina.
"Both I and the government feel really proud, since this project proves that we are making full use of our comparative advantages, such as our position at the crossroads of three continents, with an established culture of hospitality and a modern legal system that is widely recognized as effective and truly business-friendly," he said, noting that these advantages allow the creation of high-value projects, which create hundreds of new jobs and attract quality tourism.
He also added that projects such as the Ayia Napa marina "adopt our strategically oriented policies for the establishment of Cyprus as a tourist destination throughout the year, in accordance with the National Tourism Strategy 2030".
"It's my most impressive investment"
"The Ayia Napa marina is the most impressive of all my investments so far", stressed the chairman of the Board of Directors of M.M. Makronisos Marina Ltd, Naguib Sawiris, saying that he feels "lucky to contribute to the implementation of such a magnificent project". He also said that when it is completed, the marina will be a jewel not only of Ayia Napa but also of the whole island.
For his part, the CEO of Ayia Napa marina, Stavros Karamontanis, said that a project similar to it has not been developed before in Cyprus has been inaugurated. "I feel very happy, satisfied and grateful that the work envisioned by my father, Gerasimos Karamontanis, today turns the page. A new page is starting for the Ayia Napa marina and this is still the beginning", he noted. He also referred to the construction works, saying that the eastern tower is expected to be delivered in early spring 2023, as well as the progress of the construction of the luxury residences, noting that the impressive seaside villa 6, has already been handed over to its owner.
Huge benefits to the economy
The port part of the marina, which is located between the beaches of Agia Thekla and Makronissos, has been operating since 2020. Already last November the 107-meter "S/Y Lana" docked, while a few days ago the cruise ship "Sea Dream II" anchored, with passengers making visits to the marina and short excursions to the free Famagusta. At the same time, the construction of the residential part is progressing, with the project including the construction of another 220 luxury apartments in two impressive towers and 35 luxurious villas. When the works are completed, moreover, the marina will have a berthing capacity and the provision of integrated services to 600 vessels.
The completion of the major project, which will cost more than €300 million, is expected to bring huge benefits to both the local and the national economy with the aim being to attract quality tourism throughout the year.
The Ayia Napa marina, as the company states in a statement, "is the only one in Cyprus that has been certified with the international standard ISO-13687-1, regarding the protection of the marine environment, the rapid support and service of boats and visitors in all areas with modern and smart services and was recently awarded with the Blue Flag".
In addition, it has the largest commercial zone (4,000+ sq.m.) in the free district of Famagusta and is home to some of the best restaurants in Cyprus, which are the "flagship" of the restaurants of the commercial zone.
