Tighter Residential Tourism Legislation Called For In Cyprus

The Cyprus Architects’ Association (SAK) has called for tighter regulations and immediate amendments to legislation governing the establishment and operation of tourist facilities across the island.

This appeal follows concerns expressed by MPs over unchecked investments by foreign individuals and corporations, particularly in the Paphos district, as well as in Famagusta, Limassol, and Larnaca.

Lawmakers have highlighted the increasing number of developments that proceed without proper oversight, raising serious environmental and social concerns.

SAK’s intervention was prompted by reports regarding the construction of a hotel in the Paphos region – understood to be an investment by the Israeli Fattal Group in Latsi – which has been linked to multiple legal breaches. The association pointed to a broader pattern of tourism-related developments proceeding without the necessary permits, in direct violation of urban planning and environmental regulations.

The architects warned that unchecked development pressure, coupled with significant delays in issuing permits and insufficient on-site supervision, has fostered unsustainable practices with severe and potentially irreversible environmental and social repercussions.