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Large hotel groups across Cyprus are seriously looking into installing their own small desalination plants as a way to secure enough water during the island’s scorching, dry summers. With government backing through a €3 million sponsorship scheme, the move could help hotels meet their water needs without putting extra pressure on the country’s already stretched water supply system.
Under the plan, according to Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, hotels can apply for subsidies to install small desalination units, either individually or in groups. Grants range from €65,000 to €550,000 depending on the size of the installation, with the government also simplifying the licensing process to make it easier for hotels to get started. The goal is simple: keep taps flowing without burdening Cyprus' fragile water infrastructure, especially at a time when the country faces growing threats from droughts and higher temperatures.
However, despite the strong interest from major hotel chains across all districts, particularly from the free Famagusta area, many hoteliers are still hesitating. Industry insiders say that while hotels are gathering the necessary paperwork, many are carefully weighing the costs and logistics. Setting up a desalination plant capable of producing 200 tons of water a day comes with a price tag of around €200,000, plus another €30,000 for construction and preparation work. Most hotels would need about five years to fully recover their investment, but with water prices expected to rise soon, many see it as a smart long-term move.
The good news is that once ordered, the desalination units could be up and running in just three months. But with the busy tourist season kicking off, some hotels worry that construction work could disrupt their guests. As a result, a number of hotels are planning to postpone installations until September, after the summer rush dies down. Some companies are even offering flexible options like leasing the units instead of buying them outright, although most hoteliers seem to prefer full ownership.
According to the Water Development Department, the process for hotels to get licensed has been made as simple as possible. Once a hotel submits a complete application and selects a location and a construction company, they can receive a preliminary permit within just seven working days. This “green light” allows hotels to move forward with installation and eventually get final approval after inspections.
While private desalination won’t be the right fit for every hotel, especially smaller or inland units, for the bigger resorts located near the sea, it could be a game-changer. With Cyprus’ summers getting hotter and water becoming scarcer, securing a private, reliable water source could be crucial not only for business survival but also for protecting one of the island’s most precious resources.
*To read more of Dorita Yiannakou's article and gain full access to in-depth reports (in Greek), subscribe now to Kathimerini's print edition and stay informed with comprehensive coverage on this and more!
