Varosha hotels now accepting bookings for 2025

The latest developments in Varosha have been brought to light by Yeni Bakis newspaper. According to reports from the varoshahotels.com website, hotel reservations for the year 2025 have officially commenced.

Upon visiting the website, a statement reads: "We are excited to announce that hotel bookings for 2025 are now open. Don't miss your chance to secure your room for 2025 today. You can make your reservation by visiting our website or contacting us via phone. Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to warmly welcoming you to Kapali Maras Hotels soon." 

The Statements of the Turkish Businessman

A Turkish businessman, who had previously purchased three hotels in the closed area, has now revealed the acquisition of another property - a fourth hotel along with 22 3+1 apartments, 34 2+1 apartments, 30 1+1 apartments, and 20 acres of land in Varosha. The businessman expressed enthusiasm for taking this initiative in an area that has been closed for 49 years. Encouraged by the "positive attitude" of Turkey and the pseudo-state, he plans to develop an amusement park and Beach Club within the acquired land, with preparations already underway.

Speaking to Yeni Bakis newspaper, the businessman envisioned Varosha returning to its former glory and revealed that 29 other hotel owners have approached him with proposals to purchase their properties. He is currently evaluating these offers.

Citing "Transport Minister" Erhan Arikli's statement that Varosha could be removed from the military zone status by a "cabinet" decision, the businessman expressed hope that this move would enable the hotels he purchased to become operational. He also referred to the "positive" statements made by Turkey's former Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, which influenced his decision to open bookings for 2025.

As of now, reservations for the closed Varosha have been opened to the public worldwide. However, the businessman emphasized that the successful opening of these properties depends on the government's decision to remove Varosha from the military zone. Should this decision not materialize, he regretfully stated that all reservations would be canceled by September 2024. The businessman took pride in the recent opening of the new illegal airport in the occupied territories, which coincides with his venture.

The businessman praised the supportive attitude of the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey, which bolsters confidence among Turkish investors for making such investments. He highlighted that these ventures would create job opportunities and hailed the recent decision to build a marina for private yachts near the enclosed area as a significant step for the pseudo-state.

To facilitate interaction with Varosha, the businessman reminded people of the website www.cyprusvarosha.com METAVERSE, which offers reservations, virtual tours, meetings, and access to hotels. Visitors can also book accommodations for 2025 through the platform.

It is worth mentioning that Yeni Bakis had previously reported on April 28 of last year that the same unnamed businessman had purchased three hotels - Golden Seaside, Aegean, and Cleo - and would later accept bookings for 2025.

The website now allows reservations for the fourth hotel, which was not initially mentioned in the publication.

Plans Unveiled for Marina Development in Varosha

The "cabinet" has recently approved plans for the construction of a marina dedicated to private boats and tourism development in a section of Varosha that falls under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Cyprus.

As reported in occupied territories, the decision was published in the "official newspaper" and states, "Following the positive opinion of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment, and in accordance with the conditions outlined in the real estate law 63/1993, parcels 57 and 651, both registered under the Republic of Cyprus' ownership, will be leased to the Ministry of Finance. The purpose is to build a marina for yachts and tourism facilities."

Sources from CNA reveal that these parcels refer to the small natural harbor located outside the fenced area of Varosha, near the Constancia Hotel, where 'Jerry's House' (the former harbor master's residence during English occupation) can be found.

Currently, the natural harbor primarily serves small boat activities.

[With information from CNA]