Tourism Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu has unveiled a $200 million yacht harbour project in Girne, aiming to create one of the eastern Mediterranean’s largest yacht harbours. The project is currently in the planning phase and intends to accommodate 800 to 1,000 boats, generate up to 1,000 jobs and extend the existing seawall. The proposed harbour will feature cafés, yacht maintenance services, hotels and on-site tour guides. Investors from Turkey, the UK, Jordan and northern Iraq have reportedly expressed interest in the “build-operate-transfer” project.
What is the $200 million yacht harbour project in Girne?
The $200 million yacht harbour project in Girne, announced by Tourism Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu, aims to create one of the eastern Mediterranean’s largest yacht harbours. The project is in the planning phase and intends to accommodate 800 to 1,000 boats, generate up to 1,000 jobs, and extend the existing seawall. The proposed harbour will feature cafés, yacht maintenance services, hotels, and on-site tour guides.
A Flagship Project by Tourism Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu
Tourism Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu has announced his “flagship” project: a $200 million scheme aimed at creating one of the eastern Mediterranean’s largest yacht harbours in Girne. The project is currently in the planning phase, with the goal of accommodating between 800 and 1,000 boats and generating up to 1,000 jobs.
International Investors Show Interest
Investors from Turkey, the UK, Jordan, and northern Iraq have reportedly expressed interest in the “build-operate-transfer” project. However, local and tourism figures have responded cautiously to the announcement. Over the past four months, Minister Sucuoğlu has been consulting with architects and technicians to explore the potential expansion of yacht moorings along the shore between the old and new harbours. The plan involves extending the existing seawall.
Cruise Ship Expansion on the Horizon
In addition to the yacht harbour, Minister Sucuoğlu is considering an expansion to accommodate cruise ships. This decision was encouraged by a “renowned cruise line” based in Antalya, which stated that they would include North Cyprus in their itinerary once a suitable port is available, regardless of any embargo on the country.
Facilities and Services Planned for the Harbour
The proposed mega-port in Girne is expected to feature cafés, yacht maintenance services, hotels, and even on-site tour guides. Sucuoğlu envisions easy access for yacht owners and visitors to Girne town, resulting in increased economic activity. The minister believes that the project will lead to a rise in property prices, a significant boost in tourism, and an instant increase in hotel prices by 5-10 euros.
Job Creation and Future Steps
The project has the potential to create an estimated 1,000 new jobs, either directly or indirectly. Officials are now researching the status of the land along the coastline, with the aim of moving the project to the next stage.
Original Source: Kerem Hasan for Cyprus Today
Lessons Learned
The announcement of the $200 million yacht harbour project in Girne highlights the importance of innovative and ambitious developments in boosting local economies, attracting international interest, and creating job opportunities. As one of the eastern Mediterranean’s largest yacht harbours, this project has the potential to generate up to 1,000 jobs and further extend the existing seawall, demonstrating the benefits of investing in tourism and infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
However, it is crucial to approach such projects with caution and ensure that they are well-planned and sustainable. As this project is still in the planning phase, it will be essential to consider the environmental and social impact, and consult with local communities and stakeholders. Furthermore, attracting international investors and securing partnerships with renowned cruise lines will be vital to the project’s success. By taking these lessons into account, the Girne yacht harbour project can serve as an example of how large-scale tourism developments can contribute to economic growth and job creation, while also ensuring the long-term well-being of the local community and environment.
