Panagiotis Papadopoulos, the Community Leader of Platres, recently highlighted to Brief the successful developmental efforts in the region. Over the last few years, investments have seen a remarkable surge, with the projected total reaching over 200 million euros in the next two years.

Among the notable acquisitions and developments is the purchase of a renowned local café and a prominent hotel in Platres by an investor. As noted by Mr. Papadopoulos, the region is not just seeing a revival of previously underperforming or dormant infrastructures and services, but also the creation of more than 200 jobs, thanks to these new investments.

To date, five companies have actively pursued either acquisitions or new ventures in the Platres region.

This company has been instrumental in revitalizing Platres. Not only have they renovated existing facilities, but they've also initiated new construction projects. Highlights include:

• The complete acquisition and reconstruction of the Platres Sports Center, now renamed Platres Arena.
• Renovation of the already distinguished Petit Palais hotel located in the heart of Upper Platres.
• The restoration of two other historic hotels, the Pendeli Hotel and the Splendid, located in the central square.
• Plans to construct six independent 3-4 bedroom holiday homes near the famous Millomeri waterfalls.
• Ownership of popular spots, Cleopatra Café and Petit Patisserie, both situated in the heart of Platres.

DTA’s newest project, 'Guru', exemplifies its commitment to Platres. This ambitious venture includes:

• A seven-story central building rising 16.15 meters above ground level, which will house a lobby, restaurant, bar, café, Bottega shop, children's play area, traditional barbecue area, a two-level parking space for 182 cars, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym, a beauty salon, a hammam, and a sauna.
• Separate modern and state-of-the-art design houses and duplex bungalows with mountain views.
• For those seeking more budget-friendly accommodations, the resort will also feature 20 studios and 51 one-bedroom apartments above the central building.
• The GURU complex will also boast 11 luxury villas, emphasizing quality. These 3, 4, and 5-bedroom mansions will be fitted with dual fireplaces, double-height ceiling terraces, spacious bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms, all maintaining a high energy efficiency level.

Platres is also set to welcome a new retreat-style hotel, a project valued at around €4 million.

The forthcoming establishment in Upper Platres will feature 128 beds spread across 64 cabins nestled within the forest. The design is intended to seamlessly blend the cabins into the natural surroundings. The hotel will also offer communal spaces, including restaurants and wellness areas.

With its inauguration, the hotel is expected to provide several services and employ 50 staff members, comprising both administrative and technical personnel. These services will include:

• Accommodation in the cabins
• Dining options at the on-site restaurants
• Wellness and therapeutic services at the spa
• An indoor swimming pool

Recent investments in Platres don’t stop there. Lysandros Ioannou of PHC Franchised Restaurants Public Ltd and Alexandros Diogenes of PM Tseriotis are both funneling funds into Platres. Ioannou and PHC recently purchased the Mount Royal Hotel and are currently exploring its potential development. Similarly, Diogenes and PM Tseriotis have acquired the Minerva Hotel, with plans for its development in the pipeline.

Additionally, there’s a surge in revamping historic hotels. For instance, the Kallithea and Semiramis have recently been renovated and are now operating under new management. The iconic Forest Park Hotel has also seen renovations and now operates under new leadership. The New Helvetia, a protected historic site, is also undergoing a complete refurbishment.

Interestingly, while many might presume tourists on an island would prioritize coastal areas over mountain resorts, this wasn't the case for Cyprus in the past. Historically, Cyprus was celebrated for its cosmopolitan mountain resorts rather than its beachfronts. For instance, during the British rule, a decade-long tourism development plan focused predominantly on mountain resort development, limiting coastal hotels to small numbers in Kyrenia and Famagusta.

However, recent shifts have been noticeable, with a new trend leaning towards investing and vacationing in the mountains. This trend can be attributed to changes in the climate, evolving tourist desires, and strategic development plans targeting mountainous areas. These strategies are evidently fruitful, not just for Platres but for broader areas as more investors seek opportunities regionally.

A case in point is the investments pouring into neighboring regions and the recent acquisition of the historic Maragos Hotel in Pedoulas. Notably, the acquisition and development of the renowned Verengaria Hotel in Prodromos also aligns with this trend.

According to reports in Brief, there's a concerted effort underway to foster the growth of mountainous regions. The objective isn't just to draw tourists but also to appeal to young couples. The hope is that this development will not only provide increased job opportunities in the wider area but also elevate the overall quality of life for its residents.