Eleven major hotel groups in Cyprus – across Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos – have filed formal applications to install small private desalination units on their premises, with state subsidies.
The move comes on the heels of an incentive scheme launched in March by the Ministry of Agriculture, offering 3 million euros in subsidies over two years to support private desalination solutions. It’s part of a broader emergency strategy to tackle the island’s growing water shortages, especially during peak tourism months.
Some hotels have already signed contracts with desalination companies, while others are waiting for the green light from the Water Development Department (WDD) before starting construction.
The hotels seeking approval typically need 200 to 500 cubic meters of water a day to cover their operations. Once the water abstraction permit is issued, hotels will move forward with installation, after which the WDD must inspect the units and issue the final approval before the systems can be switched on and water can start flowing.
Under Cyprus law, hotels must notify the authorities within 21 days of completing the water project to schedule site inspections and secure a usage permit.
