Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ agriculture ministry on Tuesday announced an initiative to help hotels install private desalination units to enhance water security as dam levels continue to decline.
Grant scheme and licensing changes
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said the initiative aims to expedite project implementation by simplifying licensing processes and introducing a €3 million grant scheme approved by the cabinet in March 2025.
Stakeholder briefing on regulations
The water development department, together with the deputy ministry of tourism and hotel associations, held an event to inform stakeholders about regulations for small private desalination units producing up to 1,500 cubic metres of water per day for hotels.
Panayiotou said the conference was convened after requests from hoteliers seeking greater clarity on the scheme. She said the aim was to address queries, gather suggestions and identify potential delays.
She said that while procedures have been simplified, there would be no compromises on environmental regulations or the institutional framework.
Broader water crisis measures
Panayiotou said enhancing water security requires collaboration between the state and the private sector and is part of a wider set of 28 measures intended to permanently address the water crisis.
Tourism sector water use and economic contribution
Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis said the tourism sector used an average of 6.9 per cent of the water supply from 2022 to 2024.
He said the sector contributed 13.1 per cent to GDP in 2024, with expectations of that rising to 14 per cent in 2025.
What impact do you think streamlined licensing and grants could have on hotel water use in Cyprus?
