On Tuesday 7 September, an impressive ceremony was held in Limassol for the laying of the foundation stone of Limassol Marina by his Excellency, the President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias. The ceremony was attended by the city’s official authorities, personalities from the world of business and commerce and a large number of invited guests. The blessing was given by his Grace, Limassol Metropolitan Bishop Athanasios.
The ceremony was opened by the Chairman of the Board of Limassol Marina Ltd, Mr Marios E. Lanitis, who spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors: “I wish to express our sense of honour, pride and responsibility at the fact that we have undertaken this groundbreaking project, a milestone for the Cyprus economy, with a total investment of close to 350 million euros. Limassol Marina is, to us and all those working with us, the practical implementation of our vision for the development of marine recreation and the island’s infrastructure as a whole. The Company has undertaken to complete the project within the set time frame and by the end of 2012 Limassol Marina will be ready to welcome the first yachts to its berths”. Mr Lanitis went on to thank the President of the Republic for the Government’s assistance and contribution towards the completion of the process so far, with special thanks to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Mr Antonis Paschalides. He also thanked the Board of Limassol Marina Ltd, the company’s legal advisers, the Bank of Cyprus, the Project Consultants and finally, all those who honoured the ceremony with their presence.
The President of the Republic, Mr Demetris Christofias then gave his address, saying among other things:
«Large-scale development projects will pave the way out of the economic crisis. This is a commitment that our policies have long supported and one that we are dedicated to fulfilling. Today, I lay the Limassol Marina foundation stone, a large-scale development project that responds to our policies and makes a significant contribution to overall regeneration and modernisation efforts in the city of Limassol. Today we are witnesses to the commencement of a project that will create jobs, enrich our tourism and reposition Cyprus as a premium yachting destination.
»Marina projects are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2012, making it possible to welcome the first yachts during Cyprus’ assumption of the E.U presidency during the second quarter of the same year. “We are aware that the world tourism environment is particularly competitive and that only destinations that invest in their product stand the test of time. Expediting the execution of tourist infrastructure projects and enrichment products is a high priority issue for us.
The President concluded: «I would like to congratulate all those who made it possible and contributed to the launch of the Marina’s construction and I hope that other tourism-related projects will shortly be underway. »
Work for the construction of Limassol Marina is already under way and progressing rapidly. The exclusive waterfront development has been designed by a world-renowned team or architects and engineers. It combines elegant residences and a state-of-the-art marina with an enticing mix of boutiques, restaurants and shops, to create a lifestyle uniquely shaped by ‘living on the sea’.
Estimated to cost more than 350 million euros and providing facilities and services of the highest standard, it can accommodate all types of vessels from sailing yachts to megayachts, ranging in length from 8m to 100m.
Just a stroll away from the heart of the city, Limassol Marina is designed to blend seamlessly with the old harbour, the town’s historic centre and the medieval castle. It is destined to become the most exclusive marina resort in the Mediterranean- and one of the finest in the world.
A reception was held after the ceremony.
http://www.limassolmarina.com/
