Latchi remains one of Cyprus’s last relatively untouched coastal gems — a place admired for its natural beauty and laid-back charm. However, recent developments at the entrance to this tranquil village paint a worrying picture about its future, signaling a shift towards mass tourism that could forever alter the character of this unique area.
In the last two years, pressure from tour operators, including giants like TUI Airlines, has transformed Latchi into a potential hub for “all-inclusive,” affordable tourism. This “Ayia Napa syndrome,” as some locals have called it, risks commodifying a community that currently thrives on its exclusivity and natural appeal. While proponents argue these changes will generate new jobs and stimulate local businesses, the scale and style of development raise significant concerns.
The “Leonardo Latchi Resort,” an Israeli-owned project intended to offer around 700 kosher beds primarily for the Israeli and Jewish markets, has become synonymous with controversy. The resort is mired in legal disputes due to numerous breaches of Cypriot planning and building regulations — including unauthorized additional floors. Nearby, another large hotel remains unfinished after 15 years, similarly entangled in zoning violations.
These cases reflect a troubling pattern in Cyprus: developers initiating construction without proper permits, then addressing legalities retrospectively. This approach exploits systemic weaknesses, with authorities unable or unwilling to enforce regulations effectively.
As government bodies struggle to maintain control, local leadership also faces criticism. The Mayor of Paphos has publicly denounced the new Planning and Building Authority (EOA) for lax enforcement, revealing that many hotels in the region lack proper licenses. Polis Chrysochous municipality’s decision to amend local bylaws just before passing regulatory authority to the EOA effectively legalized previously illegal constructions, deepening the dilemma.
Meanwhile, massive earthworks at the Leonardo resort continue unabated, dramatically altering landscapes without transparent communication to residents. The silence from municipal officials on environmental impacts adds to the growing unease among the community.
With approximately 1,000 new beds expected from these developments by 2026, Latchi faces an avalanche of challenges. Infrastructure—roads, parking, sewage, water supply, and healthcare—may soon be under severe strain. Questions linger about whether the small town’s social fabric can accommodate such rapid demographic transformation triggered by budget tourism.
Responsible development might have welcomed a well-managed five-star hotel preserving local aesthetics and community needs. Instead, the unfolding projects appear oversized and disconnected from public accountability, raising doubts about long-term sustainability.
Adding unauthorized floors and bypassing permits has become a troubling norm, enabled by insiders familiar with Cyprus’s complex bureaucracy. Architects, engineers, and certain officials allegedly play key roles in navigating loopholes, often facilitated by financial incentives.
The government’s controversial “relaxations” allow developers to legalize illegal expansions by purchasing building coverage rights—known as “sintelesti”—from elsewhere on the island. This virtual transfer of rights transforms unauthorized structures into legal ones, a practice virtually unheard of in other European countries but lucrative enough to keep persisting. Unfortunately, such arrangements often come at the expense of environmental quality and community wellbeing.
Latchi’s fate now hinges on tough questions: Can the community maintain its identity in the face of intense mass tourism? Will environmental degradation be contained? Can local infrastructure bear the mounting pressure? And ultimately, will governance catch up with development to uphold transparency and sustainability?
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Latchi stands at a crossroads: Will it preserve its distinct charm or become another victim of unchecked commercial tourism expansion? Stakeholders, citizens, and authorities must align to ensure its future remains as bright as its past.
Andreas C Chrysafis is a UK-published author of five books and over 450 press articles, as well as a recognized artist. Known for his impartial voice, he advocates passionately for democracy, transparency, equality, human rights, and fights against corruption.
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